Physical culture and sports are the main values ensuring public health and well-being. In this context, comprehensive reforms are being carried out in Turkmenistan to promote the activation of the physical culture and health movement and the training of high-quality athletes, and a great contribution is being made to the popularization of the principles of the international Olympic movement. Improving the sphere of physical culture and sports, developing the principles of a healthy lifestyle, and the consistent expansion of international sports cooperation are among the priority tasks of the state policy of Turkmenistan.

Multifunctional stadiums, sports and recreation complexes, hippodromes, sports schools, and other facilities have been built in all velayats of the country. The methods of training athletes and specialists and holding sports competitions were improved. Turkmen athletes began to actively participate in foreign tournaments.

Turkmenistan has created ample opportunities for winter sports. In Ashgabat, a Sports Complex for Winter Sports, a Golf Sports Complex that meets world standards, the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports, was built, and in the Avaza National Tourist Zone - a multifunctional sports complex with a professional-sized ice arena. The country hosts national championships in hockey, as well as figure skating and short-track speed skating. Ice hockey tournaments are also held. In recent years, the Turkmenistan national hockey team has reached the international level.

Mahym NARMYRADOVA,
student of the Institute of International Relations
of the MFA of Turkmenistan.