On August 18 of this year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the newly completed Olympic Village in Tashkent. The foundation stone for this complex had been laid on November 9, 2022. At that time, the president emphasized that the Olympic Village would become a symbol of our people’s immense creative potential and the global achievements of Uzbek sport, while being a modern complex distinguished by architectural excellence, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge innovative solutions.
Indeed, in a short period, a magnificent complex was erected on an area exceeding 100 hectares. This unique project, worth nearly 290 million dollars, was implemented by “CAMC Engineering” in accordance with international standards.
The Olympic Village houses five major sports complexes. The velodrome, in particular, was built with advanced engineering solutions and a distinctive design. Its wooden surface, trajectory, and angle of curves meet the requirements of the International Olympic Committee. The track was constructed from the strongest timber, laid in multiple layers. To preserve its quality, a stable temperature is maintained throughout the year, with even air resistance carefully considered for cyclists. Lighting has been designed to fall evenly across the track, ensuring comfort for athletes and compliance with broadcasting standards. The stands accommodate 2,200 spectators and are equipped with protective barriers as required by new IOC standards. The velodrome is multifunctional, allowing for competitions and training in table tennis and fencing as well. This is the first velodrome of such a level in Uzbekistan.
The president instructed responsible officials to prepare a program for the development of cycling across the regions. He also emphasized that table tennis is an accessible and affordable sport that should be promoted in every school and community, along with the local production of equipment.
At the center of the village lies a 12,000-seat stadium. During international tournaments, this facility will host ceremonial events. Most importantly, it is equipped to hold competitions in all 48 disciplines of athletics, including the World Championships, Diamond League, Para-athletics, and IBSA Games for the visually impaired. At other times, the stadium will be used for local training, practical sessions, and dual education. Its four-story building will house national team specialists and sports federations. Athletics and parasports are highly effective in strengthening public health and have an extensive program at the Olympic and Asian Games. However, it was noted that these opportunities have not yet been fully utilized in Uzbekistan. Consequently, an order was given to develop athletics in all directions, which includes the reconstruction of regional stadiums, improvement of training facilities, recruitment of foreign coaches, and enhancement of athletes’ skills.
The large aquatic sports palace is also modern and comfortable, featuring a 25x50 meter swimming pool, a 25x20 meter diving pool, additional training pools, and gyms. All facilities and dimensions meet international Olympic standards. A recent inspection by the World Aquatics Federation confirmed its compliance, meaning it can host continental and world championships in swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo, with seating for more than 2,000 spectators. The president shared his vision for further developing aquatic sports and improving results in international competitions.
The team and martial arts complexes were also built in line with international standards. Each is three stories high and seats 2,000 spectators. The first is designed for volleyball, basketball, and handball training and competitions, while the martial arts complex provides facilities for judo, boxing, taekwondo, and other disciplines. The President met with athletes here and stated, “By raising our flag high at international competitions, you are demonstrating the progress of our country. Each of your victories is a source of pride for our people and a source of strength and motivation for our youth. We wish you to continue these efforts, to inspire children to follow in your footsteps, and to further elevate our sport.”
The Olympic Village also includes 15 outdoor fields for football, volleyball, tennis, field hockey, and athletics. Additionally, a 400-bed Paralympic hostel and a sports medicine research and practice center are in the final stage of construction.
At the same time, Bukhara State University is carrying out large-scale work for the development of sports. The university has established educational programs in sports activities, including boxing, football, volleyball, basketball, handball, wrestling, judo, table tennis, athletics, freestyle wrestling, taekwondo-WTF, and arm wrestling. These programs prepare athletes and coaches who meet modern demands.
Today, sport is not only a means of physical activity but also a vital field that defines national potential, youth upbringing, and the country’s prestige on the global stage. Modern sport requires not only high performance but also strong knowledge, innovative approaches, and scientifically based training. At BukhSU, sports clubs in the aforementioned disciplines have been systematically established.
It is worth noting that the university’s teams actively participate in competitions such as the Rector’s Cup, the Student League, the Minister’s Cup, the Five Initiatives Olympiad, the Universiade, and the Uzbekistan Championships. Alongside individual sports, great attention is given to team sports. For instance, BukhSU has a professional football club competing in the Uzbekistan Professional Football League’s First Division, as well as professional men’s and women’s volleyball, basketball, and handball teams participating in national championships and cups.
The university has also prioritized promoting a “Healthy Lifestyle” by organizing mass walks, pilgrimage cycling marathons since 2019, and efforts to expand sports infrastructure for the public.
Training modern specialists and athletes in sports is not only about achieving results but also about making a significant contribution to the moral and intellectual growth of society. A qualified specialist creates champions, and an athlete becomes a source of national pride. Therefore, combining sports education with scientific approaches and modern technologies is the key to future success.
Obidjon Khamidov
Rector of Bukhara State University, Doctor of Economics, Professor
