The participation of the Turkmenistan men's national 7x7 football team in the prestigious international «Gothia Cup» competition, hosted by the Swedish city of Gothenburg, marked an outstanding achievement for the national sports school.
This major tournament, which brought together athletes with disabilities from 17 countries, became a true celebration of equality, iron will and the highest athletic skill. Our team, formed under the auspices of the National centre for Special Olympics of Turkmenistan (NCSOT), demonstrated impeccable preparation and unwavering team spirit on the European stage.
From the very beginning of the group stage, the Turkmen team demonstrated an overwhelming advantage in the game and strict tactical discipline, leaving their opponents no chance. Our team began its performance at the tournament with a brilliant and confident victory over the Indian team, crushing their opponent with a score of 6:0. In the second round, the Turkmen footballers consolidated their success by winning a convincing 7-0 «shutout» victory over the Finnish athletes. The final and extremely dynamic group stage match against the Estonian team ended with a score of 7:3 in favour of our compatriots, which confirmed absolute lead of the Turkmen team and secured its advancement to the final.
The decisive match for the gold medals required the football players to demonstrate utmost dedication, composure, and coordinated teamwork. In the final match, in which they had to face the Estonian team again, our compatriots once again proved their superiority. Demonstrating a sporting spirit and outstanding individual skill, the Turkmenistan team snatched victory with a score of 4:3, becoming the winner of the main trophy and gold medals of the «Gothia Cup».
The current golden success of footballers at the inclusive tournament is a direct result and logical continuation of a comprehensive long-term strategy systematically implemented under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag.
The leadership of the country pays special attention to supporting people with disabilities. All conditions are created for them to fully realise their potential, integrate into society, and actively participate in international affairs. Deeply aware of constant care of the state, our compatriots gain a powerful incentive to achieve new, grand successes, raising high the sacred green Banner of the Fatherland in the major sporting arenas of the world.
