President of Uzbekistan Attends the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 26 January 2026, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia, held in Tashkent.

The event brought together leaders and representatives of major international and regional sports organizations, including Sheikh Jowaan bin Hamad Al Thani, First Vice-President of the Association of National Olympic Committees and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee; Witold Banka, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency; Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation; Muhammad Jalut, President of the International Weightlifting Federation; Gennady Golovkin, President of World Boxing; Muhammad Tayyab Ikram, President of the International Hockey Federation; Majid Rashid, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee; Vasily Shestakov, President of the International Sambo Federation; Gunilla Lindberg, Secretary General of the Association of National Olympic Committees; and Mustafa Berraf, President of the Association of African National Olympic Committees.

Special guests included Paolo Zampolli, Special Envoy of the President of the United States; Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation; Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, Minister of Sport of Saudi Arabia; Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Youth and Sport of Qatar; and other officials.

During his address, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the unique role of sports as a tool for fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust between nations, especially amid growing global challenges.

The President congratulated Sheikh Jowaan bin Hamad Al Thani on his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia, highlighting his professionalism, extensive international experience, and significant contribution to the development of sports both in Asia and globally.

The event also highlighted Uzbekistan’s multifaceted cooperation with the Olympic Council of Asia, including the successful hosting of the 77th Executive Committee session, the election of an Uzbek representative as Vice-President for Central Asia, and the planned hosting of the Asian Youth Games in Tashkent in 2029.

President Mirziyoyev shared details of extensive reforms in physical culture and sports in New Uzbekistan. These include the introduction of the three-tiered “Presidential Olympics” competition system, the development of modern sports infrastructure including the Olympic Village, and the expansion of athlete selection and training programs for high-level competitors.

Uzbek athletes’ successful performances at international competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, were noted, alongside the growth of mass sports, with over 15 million citizens regularly engaging in physical activity.

International and Asian sports organizations signed more than 20 agreements with national federations of Uzbekistan. These include the development of the Akbar Juraev Weightlifting Club in Bostanlyk District with support from the International Weightlifting Federation, the creation of a Regional Sports Wrestling Academy under the United World Wrestling, establishment of volleyball clubs in every region with support from the Asian Volleyball Confederation, and construction of two hockey stadiums with technical support from the International Hockey Federation.

President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to fair play and anti-doping principles, noting the importance of hosting a regional meeting of Central Asian anti-doping organizations and an international forum in Tashkent.

The assembly concluded with Sheikh Jowaan bin Hamad Al Thani being awarded the “Shon-Sharaf” Order of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan for his exceptional contribution to the Olympic movement and promotion of significant sports initiatives.