Uzbekistan is going through a turning point in its ambition to establish itself as a world-class sports destination. After years of sustained planning, the country is preparing to host the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly on 26 January 2026, a milestone that reflects not only its growing international influence but also the coherence of a long-term sports project. This moment follows a period marked by competitive success, structural investment and a clear vision of sport as a matter of state policy.
This growth is driven by a strategy led from the highest institutional level. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has managed to align sporting results, social development and modern infrastructure within a single national narrative. The achievements celebrated at the National Sports Awards 2025 in Tashkent are not isolated episodes, but the visible expression of an ecosystem that understands sport as a driver of identity, cohesion and global projection.
Sporting results that redefine ambitions
Uzbekistan’s progress is strongly reflected in elite performance. The historic qualification of the national football team for its first FIFA World Cup, after being crowned champions of the CAFA Nations Cup, marked a turning point in the country’s international perception. This achievement was further reinforced by the creation of the new National Football Centre, a project symbolising a commitment to structural development and publicly highlighted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
That momentum is also supported by Olympic performance. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Uzbekistan finished 13th in the medal table, its best result in history, setting a new benchmark of ambition with eyes already on Los Angeles 2028. This was complemented by consistent results in continental competitions, including second place at the Asian Youth Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games, as well as first place at the Asian Youth Para Games, consolidating a solid and cross-cutting competitive base.
Infrastructure, national philosophy and global projection
At the heart of this transformation lies the “Healthy Person – Healthy Nation” philosophy, promoted by President Mirziyoyev to encourage physical activity in a context where a significant portion of the population does not engage in recreational sport. This vision translates into inclusive policies, youth programmes and an approach that connects grassroots sport with the elite, recognising physical activity as an essential component of social wellbeing.
The emblem of this model is Olympic City, a 100-hectare complex inaugurated in August 2025 and considered the largest sports complex in Central Asia. Featuring a 12,000-seat stadium, velodrome, aquatics centre and venues for team sports and martial arts, the complex was designated by the OCA as the main hub for the Asian Youth Games 2029 and the launch venue of the Presidential Olympiad. This development has been accompanied by growing international interest, reflected in visits by global federation leaders and a 2026 calendar that includes world-class events in triathlon, chess and swimming, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s presence within the global sports ecosystem.
