Guvanchmuhammed Ovekov Appointed President of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan
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Guvanchmuhammed Ovekov, 43, was unanimously elected as the new president of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan during an extraordinary electoral conference held on Monday in Ashgabat. This appointment marks a significant step in the development of Turkmen football, especially considering Ovekov's extensive experience both as a player and a coach.
After retiring from his successful professional playing career, Ovekov continued his football journey as part of the coaching staff at "Ahal." He later became the head coach of several clubs, including "Ahal" and"Arkadag," where his leadership yielded impressive results. In 2022, under his guidance, "Ahal" won both the Turkmenistan Championship and the Turkmenistan Cup, completing a "golden double" and finishing the season undefeated. This achievement was replicated by "Arkadag" the following season, further demonstrating Ovekov's coaching prowess.
In addition to his domestic success, Ovekov also played abroad, spending a significant part of his career in Ukraine, as well as playing in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. His international experience added considerable depth to his skills and contributed to his growth as a football professional.
Equally notable are his accomplishments with the national team of Turkmenistan. In 2008, Ovekov became the first and only Turkmen footballer to score four goals in a single official match, a feat achieved during a game against Afghanistan at the AFC Challenge Cup.
Now, as the president of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, Ovekov is set to take on the responsibility of leading the development of football in the country. His extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, provides strong foundations for Turkmen football to reach new heights, as he works to advance not only the domestic leagues but also the national team.