Representative of Turkmenistan Participates in the First Central Asian Student Sports Forum

From September 29 to October 2, 2026, the 1st Central Asian Student Sports Forum was held in the Republic of Uzbekistan. This international forum of regional significance was dedicated to the development of student sports, the exchange of best practices, and the strengthening of cooperation between relevant organizations of the Central Asian states. Representatives of the student sports federations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the event. Our country was represented at the forum by Serdar Gurdov, Senior Lecturer at the Martial Arts Department of the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports and General Secretary of the National Student Sports Federation of Turkmenistan. This event demonstrates the continuation of ongoing efforts aimed at developing Turkmenistan’s student sports at the international level, exchanging experience, and strengthening ties with relevant sports organizations across Central Asia.

As part of the forum’s program, on October 1, the international delegation visited the city of Samarkand. During the visit, the guests familiarized themselves with the activities of the "Silk Road" International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, the organization of the educational process at this higher educational institution, and the conditions created for students and youth.

One of the key events of the visit was a meeting of Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), and Erkin Kodirov, Deputy Chairman of the Student Sports Association of Uzbekistan, with the students. During an open discussion, issues related to the development of student sports, sports opportunities, and international exchange of experience were addressed. The delegation was also shown the university's sports infrastructure and the opportunities provided for the development of student sports.

The forum program was not limited strictly to sports events, but also included a cultural section. Within its framework, the international delegation learned about the rich history and cultural heritage of Samarkand. The guests visited the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex.

The 1st Central Asian Student Sports Forum provided an opportunity for the states of the region to exchange views on the development of student sports, study modern approaches, and define directions for future cooperation.

Selbi ALLAMYRADOVA,

first-year sports journalism student

at the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports.