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Winners of the Creative Contest Honored on the National Day of the Turkmen Horse
26 Apr. 03:33A prestigious award ceremony took place at the Ashgabat Equestrian Sports Complex, recognizing the excellence of artists and professionals during the celebrations of the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. The event featured the announcement of the winners of the International Akhal-Teke Beauty Contest and a specialized creative competition among various cultural figures. These contests are designed to celebrate the aesthetic perfection of the Akhal-Teke breed and its profound influence on the spiritual life of the nation.
In the field of traditional arts and crafts, several outstanding professionals were honored with presidential awards. M. Annaberdiýewa was recognized for her exquisite carpet work, while B. Amanow received acclaim for his masterfully crafted set of traditional horse trappings. Additionally, sculptor A. Mälikow was awarded for his ability to capture the dynamic grace of the Turkmen horse in a physical monument, blending historical accuracy with artistic vision.
The competition also highlighted the contributions of the younger generation in documenting and promoting the country's equestrian heritage. Students I. Çüriýew and H. Kakabaýew were awarded for their exceptional photography and video production, respectively. Their works represent a modern perspective on the beauty of the "heavenly horses," showcasing how digital media can effectively preserve and broadcast national pride to a global audience.
These annual creative competitions play a crucial role in the state's strategy to promote the Akhal-Teke breed as a global cultural phenomenon. By encouraging artists and media professionals to explore this theme, the government ensures the continuous evolution of Turkmen art. The masterpieces produced through this contest not only honor the winners but also serve as lasting contributions to the nation’s cultural repository, inspiring future generations of creators.
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The football used to score one of the most controversial goals in sports history, known as the "Hand of God," has found a new owner at an auction in the United States. The legendary souvenir used by Diego Maradona was sold by Heritage Auctions for $3.3 million. However, the final price fell significantly short of initial expectations, which had estimated its value at around $10 million.
The historic event took place on June 22, 1986, during the World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England. The Argentine striker directed the ball into the opponent's net with his hand, but main referee Ali Bin Nasser misjudged the action as a header and officially allowed the goal.
Following the match, Maradona offered a famous explanation regarding the questionable incident. He stated that the goal was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." Since then, the object has been considered one of the most significant pieces of memorabilia in football history.
The Adidas Azteca ball was kept in the personal collection of referee Ali Bin Nasser for more than three decades. In 2022, the former official sold it for $2.37 million. Although a subsequent attempt to auction the item a year later failed due to a lack of buyer interest, the iconic football has now successfully changed hands once again.