The objective of the summit attended by over 2000 high ranking guests from 50 countries including: diplomats; representatives of financial institutions; members of parliaments; investors and businessmen and journalists, is to strengthen the commercial and economic, scientific and technical, social and cultural ties between Russian and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. 

One of the most efficient ways of promoting such ties is cooperation in the sports industry. It is in this context that at the Kazan Forum a presentation was held on the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games to be hosted by Ashgabat, that was co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan, the Organizing Committee for the preparation of the 5th Games and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation.

An exhibition stand reflecting Turlkmenistan's economic achievements and displaying goods produced in Turkmenistan was also presented. Ashgabat 2017 occupied a significant part of the exposition, the sporting event was represented described in colorful exhibits and leaflets; textile products bearing the symbols of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games were also presented here.

During the exhibition the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan provided detailed information on Ashgabat’s Olympic Village and organizational preparation for the Games to be held this September.

Speeches by the representatives of the Organizing Committee for the preparation of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, that covered in detail the key dimensions of implementing this major project  including the media coverage of the Games, were of particular interest for the visitors.

Guests attending the presentation reviewed the videos and prints, and were briefed on creating opportunities for athletes, coaches, referees; journalists, TV reporters while implementing the cutting-edge communication technologies. Specific emphasis was placed on the Ashgabat Olympic Complex comprising 40 sites, and its central stadium with a capacity to host 45 000 spectators where the Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies will take place.

The Games will be held under a motto “Health. Inspiration. Friendship.” As mentioned, effective support from the President of Turkmenistan, the President of the Organizing Committee for preparation of Ashgabat 2017, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, allows comprehensive solving of all issues related to staging the Games. Moreover, all venues of the Olympic Complex were vetted in a test mode by hosting several international events.

Overall, it was stated that since the day when Turkmenistan, the first country in Central Asia, was delegated the right to host the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, a tremendous amount of work has been done. Ashgabat hosted several sports media forums that became an effective platform for raising awareness on reforms ongoing in the country and success in developing the resource base of the sports sector./. (Ocasia.org)