Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on the ongoing work and future plans in the field of sports.

The focus was primarily on further developing mass sports and the Olympic movement. At the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, Uzbek athletes achieved the country’s best result in its sports history, winning 39 medals and finishing 13th among more than 200 countries.

During a meeting with the winners and medalists of these prestigious competitions, the President emphasized the importance of starting preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Games immediately and expanding participation in various sports disciplines.

The Ministry of Sports, along with the National Olympic and Paralympic Committees, conducted a critical analysis of the underutilized opportunities in different sports. For instance, there are 48 athletics disciplines and 49 aquatic sports disciplines in the Olympic Games, but only 5 and 4 athletes, respectively, represented Uzbekistan in these events.

Federations exist in Uzbekistan, and conditions have been created for the development of sports such as tennis, shooting, gymnastics, and cycling. There is also significant potential in Greco-Roman wrestling, equestrian sports, fencing, and rowing. Additionally, more attention needs to be given to team sports such as field hockey, basketball, handball, rugby, and water polo.

Tasks were outlined to enhance the activities of sports federations and improve the training system.

It was emphasized that the national Olympic and Paralympic movements are based on mass sports. Instructions were given to expand talent scouting efforts in neighborhoods (mahallas) and to provide professional training for gifted youth.

Notably, Uzbekistan will host the Asian and Para-Asian Youth Games next year. In preparation, an Olympic Village is under construction in Tashkent.

During a recent visit to the Olympic Village, the President remarked that this complex should serve as a scientific, practical, and training center for national sports.

After the Asian Games, the infrastructure of the Olympic Village will be efficiently utilized. A management structure will be created, based on the "Smart City" concept, responsible for maintaining sports facilities, monitoring their technical condition, and organizing mass events.

Special attention was given to winter sports, particularly hockey. Uzbekistan already has 4 hockey clubs and 3 sports facilities dedicated to hockey. The country’s under-16 team won first place at the Asia and Oceania Cup in 2023, and in 2024, the tournament was hosted in Uzbekistan for the first time, where the under-18 team emerged victorious.

In this regard, proposals have been prepared to further develop hockey, including the construction of a hockey complex within the Olympic Village.

The President also instructed to actively involve the population in physical culture and mass sports and to systematically prepare for international competitions.