A ceremonial event dedicated to World Football Day was held in the Turkmen capital, organized by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan jointly with the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan.

As Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan Vafo Alibek Niyatbekzoda noted in his speech, World Football Day was established on the initiative of the President of the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA), the head of the Football Association of Tajikistan and the Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli (upper house of parliament) of Tajikistan Rustam Emomali. The corresponding resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024.

"For many, football is not just a sport, but the meaning of life. This game teaches discipline, the ability to fight, win correctly and accept defeats with dignity," the diplomat noted during the ceremony.

The Ambassador emphasized the significant contribution of the leadership of Turkmenistan to the development of the country's sports infrastructure. According to him, thanks to the efforts of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, world-class sports facilities have been created in the country.

Niyatbekzoda recalled that Ashgabat hosted the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017 and received the status of the sports capital of the CIS. “World-class international competitions are regularly held here,” he added.

After the official part, a friendly football match was held between teams of diplomats from the Embassy of Tajikistan and students of courses at the Football Federation of Turkmenistan.