The President of Uzbekistan supports plans to expand international partnership in martial arts
On October 13, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Nenad Lalovic, President of United World Wrestling, who is visiting Uzbekistan.
Expanding practical cooperation with this esteemed global organization in the areas of organizational and expert support, as well as the further promotion of martial arts in Uzbekistan, was considered.
It should be noted that Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, kurash, women’s wrestling, and mixed martial arts have been traditionally and actively developing in Uzbekistan.
In recent years, Uzbekistan wrestlers have won 45 major awards at prestigious competitions, including gold medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
During the talks, the head of the international organization highly praised the large-scale reforms underway in New Uzbekistan aimed at developing mass sports and increasing youth engagement in athletic activities. These efforts include the expansion of modern and accessible sports infrastructure, as well as the regular organization of prestigious tournaments and competitions.
The discussions also covered the organization of major continental and world championships in Uzbekistan, the establishment of a Regional Wrestling Academy under the auspices of United World Wrestling, and partnerships in sports medicine, nutrition, psychology, and other key areas.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of promoting martial arts among children and youth, introducing modern talent identification and training methods, and improving sports infrastructure – from mahalla clubs and gyms to schools of athletic excellence and specialized complexes. These measures, the Head of State noted, will pave the way for new achievements at the Olympic Games and other major international competitions.
Following the meeting, the President of Uzbekistan presented Nenad Lalovic with the Order of “Do’stlik” (Friendship) in recognition of his significant personal contribution to the promotion and support of mass sports and martial arts.
