“The skills test provided coaches the chance to analyse the players’ level,” he said.

“In addition, it also allows them to judge the current standard of the players across Asia and also judges the player’s progress compared to last year.” said Whittle.

Turkmenistan coach Seydullamurat Annamuradov said the skills test helped him gauge how much his players have improved.

“I am a fan of the skills test. It is a great opportunity for me to view the improvement of my players,” he said.

“In fact, I do a detailed study on the players’ performances and skills test results with my coaching staff every year to check their progress.”

The AFC U-14 Festival of Football for Central Asia entered its final phase with the skills test taking place between the first and second formats of matches.

The curtain will come down on the Festival on Friday.

The West Asia’s Festival was held from February 21 to March 6 in Doha, Qatar. After Tashkent, it will be followed by the East Asian Festival from April 14-27 in Beijing, China. South Asia will celebrate their Festival from May 10-23 in Hamedan City, Iran while the ASEAN event is scheduled for May 24 to June 6 in Kota Kinabalu in the Malaysian province of Sabah.

The Festivals are less about competition and more about providing an arena for talented juniors from their respective regions to play against each other and forge bonds of friendship.