The award is aimed to stimulate the talented young people and contribute to the further development of national culture.

This year, more than 8,000 people participated in the Nihol contest, held in three stages.

The contest is split in the following directions: pop art, musical performance, classical music, opera and choreography.

The particular attention was paid to identification of young talents in the remote areas. The local selection rounds were held with participation of the general public.

It has to be noted that the winners of this award conquer new heights, regularly winning more awards and prizes.

For instance, previous winners Gulsanam Mamazoitova, Samandar Hamrokulov and Ilkhom Farmonov were awarded the title of the Honored Artist of Uzbekistan.

Gulzoda Hudoynazarova won at the international music festival Shark Taronalari in Samarkand.

Young performers Komil Musayev, Fazliddin Husanov, Bekhzod Abduraimov and the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan successfully performed at international music competitions in Germany, France, the United States and the Great Britain.

The 2009 Nihol prize went to the following persons:

• pop art - Shuhrat Mavlyanov (Bukhara region), Sukhrob Kendzhaev (Navoi), Dildora Kurbanova (Samarkand region), Nigina Nabieva, Hojimurod Bekjanov (Tashkent city), Mirijod Mirkamilov (Tashkent region), Shahrizada Akhmedova (Ferghana region), Khurshid Juraev (Kashkadarya), Gayrat Bekchanov (Karakalpakstan);
• musical performance - Fazliddin Shafoatov (Surkhandarya region);
• classical music - Adolat Kuldasheva (Andijan region), Rayhona Jumaniyazova (Khorezm region); * opera - Umid Israilov (Ferghana region);
• dance art - Gulbar Abipova (Karakalpakstan).