Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree awarding members and coaches of the national football team, as well as specialists from the country’s Football Association, for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of national sports.

The document emphasizes that "for their significant contribution to the advancement and popularization of sports in our country, promotion of a healthy lifestyle in society, demonstrated courage and resilience, and exemplary professionalism and determination," members of the national team have been bestowed with the country’s highest state honors. Special recognition was given to the historic milestone — for the first time in the history of independent Uzbekistan, the national team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, a significant step in elevating the country's sporting reputation on the international stage.

The honorary title "Uzbekiston Iftikhori" (Pride of Uzbekistan) has been awarded to head coach Timur Kapadze and 26 players, including Eldor Shomurodov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Igor Sergeev, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, and others, in recognition of their exceptional performance during the qualifying matches against some of Asia’s strongest teams and their personal contributions to achieving this historic result.

For his role in developing football infrastructure and preparing the team, Ravshan Irmatov, First Deputy President of the Uzbekistan Football Association, was awarded the “Order for Selfless Service” (Fidokorona xizmatlari uchun).

In addition, domestic and foreign assistant coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, translators, administrators, and media and marketing staff from the Football Association were honored with the “Dostlik” (Friendship) Order, the “Salomatlik” (Health) Order, 2nd degree, and medals such as “Soglom Turmush” (Healthy Lifestyle) and “Shukhrat” (Glory). Among those recognized are coaches Vlado Radmanović, Aleš Čeh, Srečko Katanec, team doctor Alisher Aripov, and physiotherapist Andrey Bezborodov, among many others.

The decree underlines that the team’s success represents not only a sporting triumph but also a meaningful contribution to “enhancing the global prestige of the New Uzbekistan, and educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, national pride, and love for the Motherland.”

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that this achievement will inspire a new generation of athletes and serve as a powerful catalyst for the continued development of football and grassroots sports across the country.