ABSTRACT
Sport politics in Turkmenistan is included in the system of presidential and authoritarian rule in the country. In this sense, sport has two fundamental goals: a) the promotion of the country’s image both internally and externally and b) to confirm and celebrate the role and the successes of the president. Consequently, the chapter focuses on the analysis of sport politics in the country and its place within the authoritarian regime in Turkmenistan. Particularly, the elite sport politics in the country is aimed to the development of its international image of sport nation on global and regional level. It includes the organization of sport mega-events as well as the successes of Turkmen athletes in sport events in the country as well as in abroad using any, including unfair, tools. Special focus is dedicated to the role of the second president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, whose involvement in a sport politics is among the most important aspect which differs Turkmenistan from other authoritarian regimes. Turkmen sport is fully incorporated into the building of personality cult with the image of the president as master of many sports. His sport preferences and interests (such as ice hockey, cycling or horse-riding) also determinate the development of this particular discipline in the country, with regular involvement of local population.
