Turkmenistan’s national youth tennis championship, held in honor of the country’s 34th independence anniversary, concluded at the multipurpose “Ashgabat” sports complex with a historic turnout. A total of 210 young players — 98 boys and 102 girls from every province and the capital — took part, setting a new national record for participation.

Three Age Divisions — Three Sets of Champions

Athletes competed in three age brackets: under 12, under 14, and under 18.

One of the highlights was 12-year-old Nazli Hudaykuliyeva (Ashgabat), who secured gold medals in both U12 and U14 singles events. She defeated Sahra Garahanova in both finals. Notably, the two athletes recently helped Turkmenistan reach the final stage of the Asian Team Championship (U12) for the first time in history.

Among the boys, Yunus Annamyradov (Mary) earned three medals: gold in U12 singles and silver in U14.

Rising Stars in Older Divisions

Kerimgeldi Guldurdyyev (Ashgabat) claimed victory in the U14 singles category, demonstrating his advanced level of training. He was previously part of the national team and participated in international events in Thailand and Ashgabat.

In doubles, Nazar Amangeldiyev (Ashgabat) and Nazim Kasymov (Mary) won among the boys, while Aynur Annamyradova and Jennet Charyyeva (Mary–Ashgabat pair) topped the girls’ doubles.

In the oldest division (U18), Ilima Guseynova and Selim Chagylyov, both from Ashgabat, became champions — with Chagylyov repeating his last year’s success.

Building Future National Teams

Based on the results, new youth national squads in three age groups will be formed to represent Turkmenistan in future international competitions. The championship’s role in nurturing homegrown tennis talent is clear.