Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is promoting fitness and wants to become a smoking-free nation - but when no-one can openly challenge the government's decisions, how healthy can such a campaign be, asks Abdujalil Abdurasulov.

An old Turkmen with a long white beard picked a carton of cigarettes from a pile taller than he was. His traditional quilted blue dressing gown and a black fur hat contrasted with the suits and ties the assembled state officials were wearing.

Meeting following the conclusion of the OCA General Assembly the delegates of 17 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and Associate Members of Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) unanimously agreed that competiting at the 5th AIMAG is a step in the right direction for the region.

French Polynesia (Tahiti) representative Tauhiti Danilo Nena says this is the best thing to happen for his country since they are only associate members of ONOC and unable to participate in the Olympic Games.

Their only major regional Games is the Pacific Games.

Ashkan Dejagah put the home side ahead from the penalty spot after ten minutes, as Asia's top ranked team took a commanding 4-0 lead into half-time at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun bagged two goals each, with substitute Mehdi Torabi capping a clinical display with a final goal minutes from the end.

Defeat means the Mateo relinquish top spot in Group D to their next opponents, Oman, who beat Turkmenistan 3-1.