Ashgabat 2017 have launched their volunteer programme ©Ashgabat 2017

Ashgabat 2017 are hoping to recruit up to 10,000 volunteers for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, after launching their application programme.

Organisers need to attract volunteers to two types of role for the Games, under their programme First Stars.

The first type of volunteers will be specialists, coming from the fields of medical services, as well as sport and press operations.

General volunteers are also being sought, with successful applicants set to work in roles including spectator assistants, uniform distributors and ticket checkers.

Ashgabat 2017 said the volunteers will prove vital in ensuring the smooth running of the Games, whilst demonstrating their helpful, friendly and warm hospitality to athletes and spectators from across the world.

The First Stars programme is claimed to be the largest ever volunteer movement in Turkmenistan, as their country’s capital city gears up to host the fifth edition of the Games.

"We are looking for the best eligible students from across Ashgabat who will make our great nation proud," said Dayanch Gulgeldiyev, Ashgabat 2017 chairman.

"We want Ashgabat 2017 to have the greatest volunteers who will not only help deliver the Games in September but also demonstrate the warm and wonderful hospitality of our great nation.

"They must be ready to inspire."

Ashgabat 2017 are hoping to recruit 10,000 volunteers for the Games ©Ashgabat 2017
Ashgabat 2017 are hoping to recruit 10,000 volunteers for the Games ©Ashgabat 2017

Eligible students are now able to register online here or via their local volunteer centre, which can be found in all universities and institutes in the country.

The registration period will run until midnight on March 10, with the selection progress set to be completed by the end of April.

Roles will be offered to successful applicants between April and June, with training scheduled to take place through to September, when the Games get underway.

Each of the volunteers, who must be over the age of 18 by July 10, will be provided with a uniform to wear during the Games.

"Volunteers are the difference between good Games and great Games," said Mick Wright, chief operating officer at Ashgabat 2017.

"Over the last six months and at our recent test events, our volunteers have been phenomenal and I believe they will make us proud during the Games."

The Games will be the first multi-sport event hosted by Turkmenistan, with competitions due to take place from September 17 to 27.