Athletes from Tajikistan’s wheelchair basketball clubs “Ghayrat” and “Vahdat” have expressed gratitude to the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) for its key role in developing parasports in the country.
From October 20 to 25, Dushanbe hosted an international training seminar under the theme “Mastering Advanced Techniques in Wheelchair Basketball.” Organized with the support and initiative of TİKA’s Tajikistan office, the event marked a significant milestone in the country’s parasport development.
The training featured top experts from Turkiye, including Murat Saltan, Secretary General of the Turkish Federation of Disabled Sports and an international-level coach; Abdullah Bayram, coach of a Turkish Premier League club; and Yasin Taşdemir, a player in the Turkish championship and the Bulgarian national team.
Held in an intensive format—five to six hours of training daily—the seminar brought together players from the “Ghayrat” club in Dushanbe and the “Vahdat” club in the city of Vahdat. Participants gained invaluable technical knowledge and practical skills, as well as a unique opportunity to train with international professionals.
With no certified wheelchair basketball coaches currently in Tajikistan, the seminar was a breakthrough in laying the groundwork for long-term progress in this Paralympic sport. The athletes now aim to elevate their skill level and compete in both friendly and official international tournaments.
Wheelchair basketball is a core discipline in the Paralympic Games, and for many athletes with disabilities, participating in it is a lifelong dream. Among Central Asian nations, Tajikistan is currently the only country actively promoting the sport.
All training sessions were conducted using professional equipment brought from Turkey, including balls, jerseys, and markers. At the end of the program, the equipment was gifted to the Tajik athletes, who also received internationally recognized certificates.
In an official statement, TİKA said: “What began as a modest effort a year ago in Tajikistan has now reached a new level. With TİKA’s support, the ‘Ghayrat’ and ‘Vahdat’ wheelchair basketball teams are now training to meet international standards. This six-day program in Dushanbe, led by experienced Turkish coaches, is not just a sports initiative—it is a story of perseverance, unity, and inspiration.”
The athletes offered special thanks to TİKA Tajikistan Director İbrahim Ethem Ünal for his continued dedication and leadership in supporting the development of parasports in the country.
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