Tajikistan’s Umed Oblonazarov, who quit football at the age of 20 because of an injury, is determined to continue his football career in coaching.

"I have loved football since my childhood. Since, I can’t play football anymore, I would like to become a qualified coach and educate the next generation,” said Oblonazarov, now 26.

“Hopefully I will have no problem in graduating from this course."

Mirbek Shabdanov from Kyrgyzstan echoed the sentiments of his Central Asian counterpart Oblonazarov.

"Youth development is important in football and this is what I found out from this course.The standard of this course is high in both theoretical and practical lessons.”

“What is lacking in Kyrgyzstan is the infrastructure and education. This course will really help me a lot," he said.

Turkmenistan’s Kirill Nogayev believes that grassroots and youth development programme plays a big part in the success of a footballer.

"I want to raise the level of Turkmenistan football. Nothing is better than starting from the basics. However, we need to be patient and be dedicated if we are to achieve something in the future."

The AFC ‘C’ certificate coaching course will continue until March 26 under the guidance of Rustam Akramov from Uzbekistan.

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.