The visit of high-ranking guests is connected with the growing popularity of this sport in Turkmenistan and the achievements of Turkmen gymnasts in the international arena.

The visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation and exchanging experience in the field of gymnastics.

Watanabe arrived in Ashgabat accompanied by the head of the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU)Abdulrahman Ben Saad Al-Shatri and the Vice President of AGU Timur Abduvaliyev. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize with the sports infrastructure of the Turkmen capital and assess the prospects for the development of gymnastics in the country.

It should be noted that Watanabe has held the post of Chairman of the International Gymnastics Federation since 2016. His extensive career includes numerous leadership positions in the Japanese National Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee. M. Watanabe has been actively involved in organizing major international competitions such as the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships and the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup.

Abdulrahman bin Saad Al Shatri has been the President of the Asian Gymnastics Union since 2010.  Al Shatri actively supports the development of gymnastics in Asia and promotes high-level international competitions.