Uzbekistan has announced the launch of the Presidential Olympics, a new national sports competition, following a recent video conference meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Competitions in Olympic sports, titled “Olympic Peaks of New Uzbekistan,” will be held twice a year across the country. Winners at the district and regional levels will receive awards from local authorities, while regional champions will advance to the Presidential Olympics, which will take place annually at the Olympic Village from December 10-20.
Top athletes will be awarded valuable prizes, including houses and cars. Additionally, first and second-place winners will gain admission to the Republican Olympic and Paralympic Center, where they will receive scholarships for their first two years of study.
The initiative aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s international sports standing and help the country secure a top-ten finish at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
During the meeting, it was noted that Uzbekistan’s sports budget has doubled over the past four years, rising from UZS 1.5 trillion ($115.38 million) to UZS 3 trillion ($230.77 million). Additionally, coaches’ salaries have doubled; significant investments have been made in sports infrastructure; 101 new sports facilities have been built; and 67 existing facilities have been reconstructed.
To further support athletes preparing for international competitions, including the Olympics, an additional UZS 300 billion ($23 million) will be allocated.
President Mirziyoyev commented, “Sport is, first of all, an ambassador of peace, a source of national pride for every country.”
