The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Tajikistan has supported the wheelchair basketball teams “Ghairat” and “Vahdat,” enhancing their infrastructure and paving the way for these teams to evolve into professional clubs.
On November 13, at the Tajik Institute of Physical Education and Sports, a ceremony was held to hand over new wheelchairs and other sports equipment to the two teams, provided by TİKA.
Ghairat Tukhtasunov, the manager of the “Ghairat” team, called the day unforgettable for his players.
“The old wheelchairs were unusable. The new ones will breathe new life into our teams’ training and matches. This is a tremendous support, and we are grateful to TİKA and the Turkish Embassy for their help,” he said.
The celebratory event concluded with an exhibition match between “Ghairat” from Dushanbe and “Vahdat,” representing the city of the same name in Tajikistan.
To loud applause from the spectators, the two ten-minute halves ended with a score of 8:8. In overtime, the decisive basket was scored by “Ghairat” player Jamoliddin Yusupov, securing victory for his team.
The winners received 10,000 somonis in prize money, while the runners-up were awarded 5,000 somonis.
Tukhtasunov noted that wheelchair basketball in Tajikistan has been developing for several years. A national championship is held annually, and the reigning champion is the “Ghairat” team.
One of its players, Amdin Saidaliyev, now competes for a club in New York, showcasing the high level of training among Tajik athletes.
However, international achievements remain limited. The teams are frequently invited to tournaments abroad, but budget constraints prevent their participation.
TİKA’s project has become a significant step toward the teams' professional development and integration into the global sports community.
TİKA representatives stated that the first phase of support included providing professional wheelchairs and other essential equipment to the two clubs. Further phases of the project will involve various educational programs.
TİKA began its projects and activities in Tajikistan in 1992 and opened the Dushanbe Program Coordination Office in 2000, continuing its operations without interruption to this day.
TİKA has focused on education, health, vocational training and capacity building of institutions, taking into account the development priorities, needs and objectives of Tajikistan.
