President Mirziyoyev Advances Sports Development Initiatives in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has taken proactive steps to enhance sports development in Uzbekistan, focusing on the growth of weightlifting and football infrastructure in local communities.

Recognizing the pivotal role of sports in fostering a healthy lifestyle and providing constructive engagement for youth, President Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining plans for the advancement of weightlifting and football infrastructure within mahallas (community neighborhoods).

The Five Initiatives Olympics and national championships have been pivotal in encouraging widespread participation in sports across the nation. Furthermore, concerted efforts are being directed towards the development of Olympic sports and nurturing talented athletes.

As part of the State Program for the Implementation of the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, particularly in the Year of Support for Youth and Business, initiatives have been devised to establish a comprehensive system for nurturing weightlifting talent. A specialized Weightlifting Center is set to be established in Chirchiq by the Ministry of Sports, focusing on the training and development of weightlifting athletes from grades 7 to 11. This center aims to produce promising athletes for national teams, with operations slated to commence in the 2025/2026 academic year.

Additionally, plans are in place to establish weightlifting sports clubs across various regions, including the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Namangan, Tashkent, and Samarkand regions. A comprehensive three-year program has been formulated to promote weightlifting, encompassing initiatives to increase youth interest, enhance regional facilities, digitize selection processes, attract foreign expertise, and disseminate best practices.

To bolster football infrastructure within mahallas, existing stadiums and sports grounds will be optimally utilized, with new facilities constructed through public-private partnerships where necessary. The creation of men’s and women’s mahalla teams across different age groups is also envisaged, with talented individuals earmarked for enrollment in professional football institutions.

Furthermore, innovative programs modeled after the English School Football Association will be implemented, including the election of school football leaders and the establishment of the “Mahalla League” for teenagers. These endeavors are poised to elevate football infrastructure, nurture young talent, and cultivate a robust talent pool for national teams.

President Mirziyoyev has endorsed these proposals and emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of sportsmanship and camaraderie among youth, while ensuring the seamless organization of competitions at a high standard.