Sports - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 25

Sports

Uzbek Footballer Abdukodir Khusanov to Sign for Manchester City

When the English champions Manchester City suffered a shock run of losses recently, soccer fans began guessing what moves coach Pep Guardiola would make to stop their winter slump. No-one expected him to call for a defender from Uzbekistan. Abdukodir Khusanov, still only 20 but already with 18 appearances for the White Wolves, is set to become Guardiola’s first signing of 2025. On 11 January the tall center-back agreed to join City in a €40 million ($41 million) transfer from the French team RC Lens. Once the move is complete, Khusanov is expected to sign a contract for four and a half years, Manchester City have won five of the last six Premier League titles. They were European club champions in 2023 after winning a first UEFA Champions League. With Europe's giants very rarely looking to Asia for their next young star, Khusanov has taken an unconventional route to the Etihad Stadium. He began his career in the youth team of local side Bunyodkor, before moving to Belarus in 2022, at the age of 18, to play for Energetik-BGU Minsk. In 2023 Khusanov was part of the Uzbekistan youth team that won the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup. There his confident passing and physicality caught the attention of RC Lens. He became a fan favorite in northern France, and the youngest Uzbek to play in the Champions League. Conor Bowers, a British fan of Uzbek soccer, has followed Khusanov’s career closely, and mentions that the €40 million man once struggled even to make teams in his homeland. “Although he is now over six feet tall, his youth coaches thought he would be too small to make it professionally. And that was even as a child, when he played as a striker.” Of his season in France, Bowers adds: “People had high hopes for Khusanov, but no-one expected him to move to a club the size of Manchester City this fast. People feel it will put Uzbekistan in the spotlight of the football world.” It was his strong performances in the French league that put Khusanov on the radar of Europe’s best clubs – Manchester City beat other English teams to his signature – but the defender is also vital to his national team. With the striker Eldor Shomurodov (of Roma in Italy) leading the attack, and Khusanov the team’s rock in defense, Uzbekistan has become Central Asia’s most accomplished side. The senior team is on course to qualify for next year’s men’s FIFA World Cup in North America. Khusanov will be the first footballer from anywhere in Central Asia to play in the English Premier League. However, he is not the first player born in Tashkent to grace the so-called “best league in the world". The Nigerian forward Peter Odemwingie spent his early childhood in Uzbekistan’s capital, before playing in the EPL for West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City. As news of Khusanov’s move to Manchester swept across Uzbek media over the weekend, sports fans were excited by the prospect of...

ESPN’s Laura Sanko Dives into Kazakh Culture, Inspired by UFC’s Shavkat Rakhmonov

American TV host and ESPN journalist Laura Sanko, known for her admiration of Kazakh UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov, has shared her journey of learning the Kazakh language. Sanko acknowledged that the process has been challenging but expressed enthusiasm for mastering new words and phrases. “It’s difficult. You would laugh if you saw me. I sit in my hotel room, watch YouTube videos, and try to repeat after them. When I think I’ve succeeded, I send an audio file to Sayat Abdrakhmanov, Shavkat Rakhmonov's manager, asking him to check. Then he translates my phrases into Kazakh, and I listen to them slowly, over and over,” she revealed during an interview with Schrödinger's Sport. Despite her dedication, Sanko modestly assessed her progress, emphasizing the significant effort required to learn Kazakh. “I learned that ‘sәlemetsiz be’ means ‘hello.’ I picked that up through YouTube. I wanted to prepare for a simple conversation, but I’m far from that. Kazakh is very difficult for Americans. It requires using deep throat muscles, while English relies on more frontal sounds. It’s hard for us to get it right,” she explained. Sanko has long been a familiar name among martial arts fans in Kazakhstan. She began following Rakhmonov’s career even before his debut in the UFC. Her admiration for the fighter has occasionally sparked rumors of romantic interest, but Sanko maintains that her fascination is purely professional. Sanko’s admiration for Rakhmonov extends beyond his fighting skills to Kazakhstan's culture. She has made public appearances in traditional Kazakh attire, such as during a UFC weigh-in. Ahead of Rakhmonov’s most recent fight, she appeared in a traditional Kazakh outfit and, after his seventh consecutive UFC victory, delivered a speech in Kazakh - a gesture widely appreciated by Kazakhstani fans. Shavkat Rakhmonov is one of Kazakhstan's most celebrated MMA athletes. Currently ranked No. 2 in the welterweight division, Rakhmonov remains undefeated with a 19-0 record.

Asian Youth Games Sports

2025 Asian Youth Games Moved from Tashkent to Bahrain

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has announced that the 3rd edition of the Asian Youth Games in 2025, which had been due to be hosted in Tashkent, is to be moved to Bahrain. This decision was put down to some of the venues in the Uzbek capital being unready. Uzbekistan's National Olympic Committee (NOC) issued a statement explaining that the country had asked the OCA to postpone the competition for one year. There have been delays in the construction of the $289 million Olympic Campus due to post-pandemic constraints. However, the OCA refused the postponement because the 2025 Games are a selection stage for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. As a result, the event will now be hosted by Bahrain. The OCA recommended that Uzbekistan focus on preparations for other sporting events, such as the Islamic Solidarity Games or the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. "The construction of the Olympic City remains a key project for the development of sports in Uzbekistan. We intend to complete its construction on time and turn it into a base for major international competitions," the NOC said.

mountains tourism industry international tourism Sports France

France to Support Development of Kyrgyzstan’s Largest Ski Resort

Kylychbek Rysaliyev, President of Kyrgyzstan’s Tourism Development Support Fund, recently met with French Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Nicolas Faye to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in tourism. During the talks, Ambassador Faye reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting the development of a major skiing complex in the Issyk-Kul region. Highlighting the importance of the Three Peaks Ski Complex project, Ambassador Faye described it as a priority for the French Embassy, promising France’s expertise in its design and execution. “The lack of direct flights between Kyrgyzstan and France currently hinders a broader influx of tourists,” noted Ambassador Faye, emphasizing that improving air connectivity could significantly boost tourism potential. Rysaliyev underscored the value of French expertise, pointing to France’s robust tourism industry, which is a key driver of its national economy. He expressed confidence that collaboration on the Issyk-Kul ski complex would facilitate valuable knowledge exchange and elevate Kyrgyzstan’s position as a global tourist destination. The Three Peaks Ski Complex, a flagship initiative announced by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, is already in its preparatory phase. Infrastructure improvements, including road construction, power supply, and water systems, are underway. The state-owned company Kyrgyz Courchevel has been tasked with overseeing the project’s development. The first phase of the resort, set to open by 2030, will include 60 kilometers of ski tracks out of an anticipated 200 kilometers, six ropeways, and a range of facilities such as hotels, restaurants, ethno-towns, and conference halls. The project is expected to position the Issyk-Kul region as a premier skiing destination, fostering economic growth and attracting international visitors.

China Sports life and culture Lifestyle Freeview Fridays Silk Road Treasures

My First International Competition – Anara Ashimova, Silver Medalist in Shaolin Wushu

I was never a big sports person, but working at the computer and not moving much eventually made me realize I needed some kind of physical activity to cheer myself up and to recharge my body. After all, I wanted to be healthy and active in my maturity - I don’t want to call it old age. I had doubts about my physical abilities, but I was resolute, so I decided to go for a sport with exercises that are possible for and improve the health of people of age. Therefore, I took up the sport of Wushu, starting in a large group under the guidance of Gaini Kypshakbai, a master of the art. The first few months were challenging, but I slowly developed new skills. A lot of people quit during this time, and eventually only three of us were left in the group. Gradually, I developed an obsession with the classes as a way to strengthen my body and spirit. Our coach, Gaini, deserves a separate piece to be written about her for her patience and mentoring, but for now, I will just say that I'm grateful and full of respect for her. Laoshi (coach in Chinese) Gaini gently introduced us to the Tai Chi community, an association of enthusiasts who are passionate about what they do. In my third year of classes, I wanted to broaden my horizons, watch the masters, and show off my modest skills. So, after participating in the Championship for the Republic of Kazakhstan, we went to China for The 13th Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Competition. [caption id="attachment_25561" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Team Kazakhstan; image: A.Ashimova[/caption] Our team consisted of twelve people of different ages ranging from 30 to 65; it was the first international competition for all of us. Some of us were leaving Kazakhstan for the first time, but I'd been to Urumqi 20 years before. Everything that awaited us upon our arrival in China impressed and delighted us. The first thing that pleased me was how clean and organized everything was. People were friendly and willing to help, and, most importantly, it was completely safe. The cities we visited were very green with beautiful trees and lots of flowers; the parks were well-maintained, and the air was clean and fresh. Almost every city had the same level of population as Kazakhstan, but it never felt crowded. Everything was organized, clear, and accessible. For us, the myth that the Chinese do not speak English was also dispelled. If we encountered a language barrier, it was easily overcome by modern online translators. The youth of China were very bright, independent, and open. The Opening Ceremony of the festival was an indescribable delight. The small town of Danfeng welcomed us alongside representatives of 65 schools of Tai Chi. The competition was a festival celebrating the different styles of Wushu. We couldn’t contain our excitement as we took pictures on our smartphones and greeted the young athletes from the windows of the bus as thirty-five...

soccer Legislation Sports EAEU

Kazakhstan Sports Anticipates Influx of Russian and Belarusian Athletes

Kazakhstan's lower house of parliament, the Mazhilis, has approved in its first reading a bill on physical culture and sports that would ban the funding of foreign athletes (legionnaires) from the state budget and national companies with government stakes. However, even if this bill is enacted, Kazakh sports teams will retain a legal avenue to invite athletes from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries using public funds. For the first time, Kazakhstan’s national legislature is proposing a provision prohibiting the use of state funds to finance athletes who are not citizens of Kazakhstan, with the goal of prioritizing Kazakh athletes in terms of both sports representation and financial support. Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabasynov has also suggested setting a cap on state funding for professional sports clubs, which would vary by sport according to national priorities. “The freed funds will be redirected towards children’s and youth sports, including boarding schools, youth sports schools, sports reserves, and facility upgrades,” Myrzabasynov explained. The bill was approved in the first reading. Currently, government funding for sports clubs in Kazakhstan comes from two main sources. Teams competing internationally, such as the Barys hockey team in the Continental Hockey League, the Astana basketball team in the VTB United League, and the Astana cycling team in the World Tour, receive support from the Samruk-Kazyna fund. Other teams in soccer, hockey, basketball, and volleyball competing in Kazakhstan’s national championships are funded by local budgets, with Astana’s soccer team - which also receives sponsorship from the Samruk-Kazyna fund - being the sole exception. Should the bill pass, these teams will need to rely on Kazakh athletes — or athletes from EAEU countries such as Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. The Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, enacted in January 2015, promotes the free movement of services, goods, capital, and labor across member states, ensuring equal labor rights and remuneration for citizens of EAEU countries. This treaty means that Kazakh clubs cannot restrict funding for athletes from EAEU nations without breaching international commitments. In Kazakh soccer, for instance, EAEU athletes are not counted as foreign players in the Premier League, a policy instituted after the Kazakhstan Football Federation set a limit on foreign players several years ago, capping each team’s roster at eight foreign players per season. Athletes from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, however, are treated as domestic players due to Kazakhstan’s international obligations. This arrangement stems from Kazakhstan’s Law on Legal Acts, which stipulates that ratified international treaties take precedence over national laws. Therefore, if the bill banning foreign athletes' funding from the state budget is fully enacted, EAEU athletes will remain exempt from this ban. The bill must still pass through a second reading in the Mazhilis, two readings in the Senate, and obtain presidential approval before it becomes law. Questions remains as to whether Kazakh sports clubs will use this provision to hire athletes from EAEU countries, given potential legal challenges. Local administrations (akimats) who would be affected by any restrictions on funding for...