An international tennis tournament continues in Ashgabat, in which children from Central Asia take part. One of the guests - Amir Borghei from Iran, an International Tennis Federation (ITF) Development Officer in the region of Central and Western Asia - gave an exclusive interview to Turkmenportal, in which he noted the significance of this competition, as well as the activity of the host country in developing this sport in Turkmenistan.

- Mr. Borghei, tell us more about the «ITF Asia 12&U Team Championships». According to which system is this tournament being held, which is qualifying?

- Firstly, «ITF Asia 12&U Team Championships» this is a team competition for children under 12 years of age from all regions of Asia. The structure of the game is, we play every year in 5 regions of Asia, and top teams of the region play in the final. Five regional games in West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, South-East Asia, and East Asia. The top teams of regions play in Nur-Sultan (former Astana), Kazakhstan. This event placed since 2017, 2018 and 2019. This is the third year of competition. Top two teams of this competition will play in Kazakhstan in August. In 2017 the event was in Tajikistan, in 2018 event was in Kyrgyzstan and this year in Turkmenistan.

Previous competitions participated five nations from Central Asia, this year six nations participates to the competition. Afghanistan team first year participating in this competition.

In terms of organization event, it is very high quality, the center accommodation provided by the host nation, of course, this event supported by ITF. ITF fully supports Turkmenistan Tennis Federation. I think with coming new management in TTF very motivated to move forward. Last year when new team pointed they contacted us and asked for more event and more support from ITF. ITF and Asian Tennis Federation decided to give the host this event to Turkmenistan. I think this is a good point for progression for the tennis team of Turkmenistan.

- Who were winners of previous competitions? What were their specialties comparing other teams?

- Kazakhstan won 1^st place and Uzbekistan won 2^nd place in both years. The reason is the structure of tennis teams of Kazakhstan is very organized. Tennis is a structural game, the organization of structure is very important. The most positive side of Turkmenistan tennis team, they have very good tennis facilities.  The courts and tennis facilities are very high quality in Turkmenistan which has not in every country. As you can see in my title I travel to a lot of countries and most countries have not such kind conditions and facilities for tennis.

- Have you been in the Ashgabat Olympic Complex?

- Yes, in 2015 while there was construction, it was not completed on that time. But after completed I have been only in outside yet.

- As an expert on this field, what do you see in Turkmenistan’s tennis team after 5 years and after 10 years?

- Well, I can see the motivation of Turkmenistan Tennis Federation is very high, they are very ambitious and we are also in a process to organize some other projects with TTF. Development projects mainly focused on coaching, tournaments, events, and player development programs 12-14 under age programs for players. We are basically in touch with TTF, to organize events and similar activities in the tree aspects coaching, player developments and tournament – competitions. Hosting the game and bringing such kind player already achievement I think, maybe next year Turkmenistan's tennis team can win first place I hope.

- What is the purpose of organizing this event?

- The purpose of this event for Asia is to support future players, as I mentioned 12 and underage players, to improve, to develop, and to have a chance and opportunity met each other, to see each other. So, this is the big opportunity for 12 and underage player to get the support, to meet and this is the first step. After 12 we have 14 and underage Asian tournaments. For these players, this is like a first step. There are so many 14 and under age tournaments after it.

- Tennis is one of the most expensive game as we know. Are there enough players and countries who can support and provide players from Asian countries?

Yes, ITF and Asian Tennis Federation policy is to support member nations as much as possible. We support them in different ways, provide equipment member nations, even we provide some budget to such kind events. We support with equipment, financially member nations and different areas.

We would like to welcome Turkmenistan's tennis coaches any conferences and workshops in Asia if there is any chance to come. This year we have a worldwide the biggest coaches conference, coaches gathering from all world in Bangkok, Thailand. We invite Turkmenistan coaches to participate in coaches' conference. We would like to invite Turkmenistan to all junior tournaments in Asia, 14 and underage player.

- What is your advice for Turkmenistan’s tennis team as an ITF Development officer?

- My advice is to work under develop coaching, in future few years educate, develop coaches because of coaches one vivid player in the development of tennis.  My next recommendation is to work under participation, to involve and bring more kids to the game. My other recommendation is more participation in regional and Asian junior tennis competitions to get more international experiences. My recommendation would be hosting and organizing tournaments and events especially 14 and underage player, also to use these good facilities in Ashgabat.

- How can Turkmenistan’s tennis player take a part in ITF’s training camps and complete their degree?

- Well, training camps sort period programs, usually one week or ten days. Every year we have a few training camps around Asia. In 2018 regional training camp was in Tehran, Iran. I remember we invited one junior player and one coach from Turkmenistan. For eight days we worked with them. In 2019 we also planning regional training camp, but I don't know where we can do that and looking eligible country now.

- How many players can participate in ITF's training camps and who decides them?

- Usually, it could be 2 and 3, but top players of the country should come. Last year Turkmenistan sent one player. National tennis federations decide who will come to training camps.

- Is there any progress in Turkmenistan’s tennis, comparing with your previous visits to Turkmenistan?

- Well, at least I can see especially this year and last year Turkmenistan Tennis Federation is much more active and TTF is a bigger team of people. I meet with the decision maker of Turkmenistan in the tennis field they are very ambitious. The second advantage is the team very young, they have good motivation, activities.