Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- An open-air ice skating rink opened in front of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater named after Alisher Navoi in Tashkent today.

At the initiative of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Development of Tourism, the project "City Skating Rink in the Open Air" was implemented in cooperation with the Art and Culture Development Foundation under the Ministry of Culture with the support of the capital’s khokimiyat.

The event "City skating rink in the open air" was opened by the Khokim of the city of Tashkent Jahongir Artykhodjaev.

At the opening ceremony of the ice rink, the congratulatory speech of the Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov was read:

“As part of the implementation of the Presidential Decree “On measures for the widespread introduction of a healthy lifestyle and the further development of mass sports”, a number of conditions are created in our country for the population to engage in sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Among them is the launch of an open-air ice-skating rink in Tashkent. The goal of the project is to popularize a healthy lifestyle and sports among the population. Our compatriots can visit here for a month and spend their time meaningfully and productively. Considering that 2021 has been declared in our country as the Year of Supporting Youth and Protecting Public Health, the implementation of this project is timely. "

The ice skating rink in the center of the capital will function for one month, during which a number of cultural, entertainment and sports events will be organized on the open-air skating rink. These include Dance Music Fest Winter, Iosis Fest, Tashkent Rap Festival, as well as the youth ice hockey championship and ice dance show.

The star of Russian figure skating, Olympic champion in figure skating Alexei Yagudin took part in the opening of the city skating rink with his program "Winter". Also, Uzbek pop stars took part in the opening of an open-air ice skating rink.

Amir Iskakov, who appeared on social media, was also invited to the opening ceremony, where he was presented with hockey equipment and special sportswear from the State Committee for Tourism Development.

Also, the organizers launched a food court zone, where famous metropolitan brands of fast food, confectionery and coffee are presented. A rental shop for skates and other skating accessories was opened in front of the square.

Free hockey, figure skating and ice dancing classes will be held on the open skating rink in Tashkent from January 7 every day from 9 to 12 hours. In the evening, there will be a children’s hockey tournament and performances by young figure skaters.