First, attention was paid to further developing mass sports and the Olympic Movement. At the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, Uzbekistan’s athletes won 39 medals and took 13th place among over two hundred countries. This was the highest achievement in the history of domestic sports.
At a meeting with the winners of these prestigious competitions, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the need to begin preparations for the games to be held in Los Angeles in 2028 and to expand participation in various disciplines.
Based on this, the Ministry of Sports and the national Olympic and Paralympic committees once again critically analyzed the unused opportunities in sports.
For example, the Olympic Games have 48 track and field disciplines and 49 water sports disciplines. However, 5 and 4 of Uzbekistan representatives participated in them, respectively.
There are federations and conditions for developing tennis, shooting, gymnastics, and cycling. Great untapped potential exists in Greco-Roman wrestling, equestrian sports, fencing, and rowing. Team sports such as field hockey, basketball, handball, rugby, and water polo must also be developed.
Tasks have been defined to intensify the activities of these sports federations and improve the system of educational and training sessions.
It was emphasized that the national Olympic and Paralympic movement draws strength from mass sports. Instructions were given to expand selection work in mahallas and professional training of talented youth.
As is known, Uzbekistan plans to hold the Asian and Paralympic Games among youth next year. An Olympic Village is being built in Tashkent for this purpose.
During his recent visit to the village, the President noted that this complex should become a scientific, practical, and training center for domestic sports.
Accordingly, after the Asian Games, the infrastructure of the Olympic Village is planned to be effectively used. For this purpose, the management of the complex will be established based on the Smart City concept. The structure will maintain sports complexes, monitor the condition of equipment and technical systems, and repair them if necessary. An annual plan for priority sports will be approved, and athletes from the regions will conduct training sessions in the Olympic Village. This structure will also be granted the right to organize mass events, provide rental services, etc.
Regarding the Olympic Movement, the Winter Games should not be overlooked. Hockey is one promising area.
Today, there are 4 sports clubs and 3 hockey facilities in the country. Our U16 team took 1st place at the Asia and Oceania Cup in 2023. This year, this tournament was held for the first time in Uzbekistan, and our U18 team won.
Based on this, proposals have been prepared for the development of this sport with the subsequent construction of a hockey complex on the territory of the Olympic Village.
The Head of state instructed on broadening the population’s involvement in physical education, mass sports, and systematic preparation for international competitions.
