Congratulations Message of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, on the occasion of World Football Day

25.05.2026, Dushanbe

Dear compatriots,

Sports enthusiasts and football fans,

I sincerely congratulate all of you on World Football Day, which was declared at the initiative of the leadership of the Football Federation of Tajikistan through a special Resolution of the United Nations and is annually celebrated worldwide on May 25.

Thanks to its popularity and mass appeal, football today has become not only a sport, but also an important factor in strengthening friendship, mutual understanding, and solidarity among nations.

We are proud that it was precisely at the initiative of Tajikistan that World Football Day received international recognition and was adopted by the global community.

This important initiative has not only further strengthened the authority of our country in the international sports arena, but has also clearly demonstrated Tajikistan’s contribution to the promotion of universal values such as peace, solidarity, and constructive cooperation.

This is because the essence of football is also reflected in its ability to unite people regardless of nationality, race, or age, while strengthening the aspiration for victory.

In other words, football today has become a unifying force connecting generations, cultures, and nations.

At the same time, football is an effective means of promoting a healthy lifestyle and developing the physical and spiritual potential of society.

It is no coincidence that football is recognized as the number one sport in the world.

After gaining independence, Tajikistan entered a new stage in the development of football.

As early as 1992, the Football Federation of Tajikistan was established, and our country became a member of the International Federation of Association Football and the Asian Football Confederation.

Since then, the national team and teams of various age categories have actively participated in international competitions and repeatedly raised the flag of our country high.

It should be noted that the development of sports infrastructure, the construction of modern stadiums, the establishment of specialized football schools, and the involvement of the younger generation in this sport are evidence of the consistent state policy aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and the mass development of sports.

On the eve of the great national holiday — the 35th anniversary of State Independence — the National Stadium with a capacity of 30,000 spectators will be commissioned in the capital city of Dushanbe as a festive gift from the Government to athletes and football fans.

Today, football in Tajikistan is not only a sport, but also an important factor in the physical and moral education of society, especially teenagers and youth.

The establishment of football schools and academies, the introduction of educational programs, and the implementation of a club licensing system in accordance with the requirements of the Asian Football Confederation contribute to improving the quality of athlete training.

Today, Tajik football is at a stage of sustainable development.

I am confident that the country’s coaches, specialists, and football players, possessing a high sense of responsibility, strong will, and professional excellence, will continue to raise the flag of our state high in the international arena through their victories and achievements, making a worthy contribution to the promotion of sports and attracting even more teenagers and young people to a healthy lifestyle.

May football in Tajikistan always develop as a symbol of unity, health, and national pride, inspiring future generations to achieve ever greater success.

Happy World Football Day, sports enthusiasts and football fans!