«Türkmenistan Sport», № 3 (23), 2024

The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, exemplify the positive impacts of hosting major sporting events. The 2017 Games featured athletes from 65 nations competing in 21 sports. The event led to significant infrastructure development, including the state-of-the-art Ashgabat Olympic Town. This investment not only provided world-class facilities for the Games, but also left a lasting legacy for Turkmen sports. The Games fostered a sense of unity and cultural exchange among participants, aligning with the motto of the Games “Health, Inspiration, Friendship”. The successful hosting of the Games boosted Turkmenistan’s global profile, showcasing its capability to organise large-scale international events. By leveraging the opportunities presented by the Olympic Games, host cities can achieve lasting positive impacts that enhance their economic, social and cultural landscapes.