Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Salim Abduvaliev, also known by the nicknames “Salimbay” (Salimboy) and “Salimboyvachcha”. was released on 12 January from the correctional facility due to health problems, according to Kun.uz.

According to sources, Abduvaliev had been battling an illness for a long time. 

He was convicted under Article 248 of the Criminal Code (illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, parts of firearms, explosives, explosive devices, or explosives) and sentenced to 6 years in prison by the court decision of the Mirabad district on March 19, 2024. 

Abduvaliev’s release was based on Article 75 of the Criminal Code, which allows for the release of individuals suffering from serious health conditions that prevent them from serving their sentence. 

It is worth noting that Abduvaliev will turn 75 years old in 2025. He was arrested in early December 2023 on suspicion of illegal possession of firearms. 

Salim Abduvaliev (born 1950, pensioner, previously not convicted) has been serving as the deputy chairman of the National Olympic Committee and the head of the Wrestling Association on a voluntary basis since January 2017. His name and photograph are still featured on the NOC website. 

For his contributions to the development of sports, he was awarded the "Dustlik" order in 2015 and received the title of "Honored Sports Coach" in 2021.