President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent greetings to the participants of the international chess tournament among children under 8, 10 and 12 years old, which is being held in Ashgabat.

As the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports, the tournament is being held at the capital’s Specialized Chess and Checkers School on the occasion of Ashgabat being declared the “City of New Sports Opportunities of the Commonwealth.”

“I am convinced that the current competition will become an important event in the sports history of Turkmenistan and will significantly strengthen international cooperation in the field of sports,” the head of state noted.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan pays special attention to the development of the physical culture and health movement and high-performance sports. Multifunctional stadiums, physical culture and health complexes and sports schools are being consistently built throughout the country.

The head of state reminded the international recognition of Turkmenistan's sports reforms. In particular, at the initiative of Ashgabat, the UN Friendship Games resolution was adopted at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. The Turkmen capital received the status of "City of New Sports Opportunities of the Commonwealth" at a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the historical significance of chess for the Turkmen people. "The game of chess is mentioned in ancient epics, in Turkmen folk tales. In the old days, this game was called Sadranç and Şahmat," the head of state said.

The President of Turkmenistan stressed the importance of starting chess early, noting that children who start playing at 5-8 years of age are better able to remember complex combinations and tactics.

Chess was included in the program of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, which were held in Turkmenistan. Turkmen chess players regularly win prizes at major international tournaments.

The President expressed confidence that foreign guests of the tournament will be able to “feel the hospitality of the Turkmen people” and will have pleasant memories of the “sunny country”.