Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan, Nigmatilla Yuldashev, has been elected as the new chairman of the Wrestling Association, replacing Salim Abduvaliev, known by the nicknames "Salimbay" and "Salimboyvachcha."

Since October 2019, Yuldashev has been leading the Kurash Federation, and in August 2024, he was re-elected for another term.

Minister of Sports Adkham Ikramov expressed confidence that Yuldashev’s experience in sports management will contribute to the further development of wrestling in Uzbekistan.

Salim Abduvaliev, who made significant contributions to the promotion of sports, was awarded the Dostlik Order in 2015 and received the title of "Honored Sports Coach" in 2021. In 2022, he became a recipient of the Ludwig Nobel Prize in St. Petersburg.

However, in March 2024, Abduvaliev was convicted under Part 2 of Article 248 of the Criminal Code for illegal arms trafficking and sentenced to six years in prison.

On 12 January 2025, it was reported that he was released early due to health concerns.