Central Asian Badminton Championship Concludes in Tashkent
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 22 September, the Central Asian Badminton Championship came to a close in Tashkent, bringing together 97 athletes from seven countries across the region. The tournament became one of the largest in Central Asia’s history and highlighted the growing interest in the sport.
Intense Competition and Notable Victories
The final matches in the U15, U17, and U23 age categories featured intense battles between players from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia.
In the U15 category, Iranian athletes dominated, though Uzbek players secured several medals, including in doubles and mixed events.
In the U17 division, Iran once again held the strongest positions. However, the Uzbekistan team achieved a standout victory in mixed doubles, where Husniddin Mukhtorov and E’zoza Yakhshilikova captured gold.
In the U23 category, Iran maintained its leadership, while Kazakhstan claimed gold in mixed doubles. Uzbekistan also reached the podium, with particularly successful performances from Barno Siddikova and her teammates.
Award Ceremony
The championship concluded with a festive awards ceremony. Medals and commemorative prizes were presented by Wajid Ali Chaudhary, Chairman of the Badminton Asia Development Committee, Obidjon Kudratov, First Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, along with representatives of national federations.
Significance of the Tournament
According to organizers, hosting such a large-scale championship in Tashkent marked an important step in promoting badminton in the region. The participation of 27 athletes in Uzbekistan’s national squad underscored the sport’s rising popularity in the country.
Experts noted that the championship was not only an international sporting event but also strengthened Uzbekistan’s position as a venue for major tournaments. Looking ahead, similar events are expected to foster broader cooperation and exchange of experience among Central Asian countries.