Honored Cultural Worker of Turkmenistan, director of Galkynysh National Equestrian Group Pygy Bairamdurdyev, who had the honor of lighting the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games flame, has given an interview: - The whole history of the Turkmen nation has been inseparably linked with Alkhalteke horses. The Turkmen say: “My horse is my wings”. The Akhalteke horse is the wings of the Turkmen, the treasured possession that rapidly accelerated the march of history. This explains why the Ashgabat 2017 Games opening ceremony as well as the Games-related events are closely associated with the horse. The President-initiated riding marathon, which started on May 5, 2016 at the ancient Fortress of Nisa to mark the 500-day to go until the 5th Asian Games, came to an end at the Olympic Complex. The riders traveled through all the regions of the country. It is deeply symbolic that the Asian Games torch was lit in the ancient land of Margush since scientists believe that Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions based on the fire-worship, originated there. The seventeen horsemen, who brought the flaming torch of the Ashgabat 2017 Games to the capital, added unforgettable and breathtaking moments to the opening ceremony. I was highly privileged to have been given the Games torch to bring it to the Ashgabat Olympic Stadium. As the wise Turkmen saying goes, “If a horse prances about, a big celebration is coming”. Astride the horse called Akkhan I brought the torch to the raised platform shaped like a fortress in the center of the stadium. The fortress symbolized the glorious history of the Turkmen. The horse rearing on its hind legs represented our rapid dramatic advance. The Akhalteke horse made three circles atop of the fortress in accordance with the national traditions and customs. The numbers 3, 7, 9, 17 are considered sacred by the Turkmen as they believe them to bring good luck. An octagon, Oguzkhan’s star, marked the place from which the flame was lit. I made Akkhan rear up and held the torch near the octagon. A shower of sparks igniting the flame in the cauldron looked like burning üzärlik (Peganum harmala, the dried plant is traditionally burnt to perform a purifying ritual) above the horse head sculpture. Galkynysh, the national equestrian group, a many-time winner of international competitions, took part in the opening ceremony. The group seeks to popularize worldwide the beauty and grace of our “heavenly” horses. Its spectacular success testifies to the lofty heights of the national art of equestrian plays. We are proud that the ancient art, bequeathed by our ancestors, has seen the continuation. Both young and very young members of the group, who constantly hone their equestrian skills, perform very successfully. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to our President and everyone on opening the Ashgabat 2017 Games, representing our country’s extraordinary achievements, unity, solidarity and the peace-loving spirit of the people of Turkmenistan.