AIMAG 2017: Preparation of Olympic Village well underway

A member of the Organising committee of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts games in Ashgabat has said that the preparation of the Olympic village is on track. Bagtyyar Nuryyev added that the host city, Ashgabat, is ready to welcome thousands of athletes, officials and journalists from over 60 countries.

Mr Nuryyev accompanied a group of international media crews, organised by the ABU to cover the start of the 500 days countdown to the beginning of the games in 2017. The spectacular show starts on 5th of May with a horse march which will go through all five regions of Turkmenistan. 

The Olympic Village, has more than 30 sport facilities, including multi-purpose arena with capacity of 15 000 spectators, velodrome, tennis courts and rehabilitation medical Centre. The total cost of the Olympic Village is around 5 billion US dollars and the construction is carried out by a Turkish company. The Olympic village is ready with all the necessary infrastructure, including social, cultural and shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, car park and a monorail. The only sports arena that has yet to be completed is the 45 000 capacity stadium, similar in size to the home of Chelsea – Stamford Bridge.

The monument of neutrality, on the outskirts of Ashgabat was for some years the tallest structure in the country. It marks the policy of neutrality proclaimed by the country in the 90s. Turkmenistan is actually the first officially recognised by the UN permanently neutral state.

Turkmenistan is a new country. It became independent in October 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But it has a long history being in ancient times part of the Great Silk road connecting China with Europe and the Middle East. The monument of independence presents many figures from the proud history of Turkmenistan.

The TV crew visited also Ashgabat eye, one of the most popular attractions in the city. It’s official name is Kosmos or Universe.