President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov led a mass hike along the Health Path in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, as reported by Turkmenistan’s official media on Saturday.
This event, proposed during a Cabinet meeting on October 25, supports the UN Games of Friendship resolution, introduced by Turkmenistan and recently adopted by the General Assembly.
At dawn, the gathering attracted notable participants, including the Chair of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet, leaders and representatives from military and law enforcement agencies, ministries, public organizations, media, diplomatic missions, international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, university rectors, and students.
President Berdimuhamedov opened the event and led the ascent, followed by other participants, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Following the climb, a ceremony was held to honor athletes who have brought Turkmenistan international acclaim, as well as winners of a route completion competition among diplomats and state officials. The President emphasized that sports play a key role in fostering international cooperation and friendship among nations.
In recent years, Turkmenistan has actively developed sports infrastructure, building modern facilities and promoting national sports. Turkmen athletes’ recent achievements have strengthened the nation’s global standing, with medals won at tournaments like the Asian Games and world championships.
Special recognition was given to Turkmen athletes who won gold in judo’s Grand Slam, the World Weightlifting Cup, and other international competitions, including championships in kurash, kickboxing, and para-powerlifting.
On behalf of President Berdimuhamedov, Alp Arslan Begenjov, who won a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championship for under-20 athletes, and Shahzadbek Matyakubov, who claimed gold at the World Youth Weightlifting Championship, were presented with Toyota Camry V6 cars.
At the event’s conclusion, the athletes expressed their gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, promising to continue representing Turkmenistan with honor on the world stage.