Sports Digest: Uzbek athletes' European adventures

The past week has been filled with significant events for Uzbek sports. Abdukodir Khusanov has truly proven himself as a key figure for Manchester City, professional boxer Isroil Madrimov fought for the WBC belt, and a sports club named after Diyora Keldiyorova opened in Tashkent. UFC champion Islam Makhachev also visited Uzbekistan, and the country joined the list of contenders to host the Asian Cup for senior football teams.

Let's dive into these and other important sports topics in today's QALAMPIR.UZ sports digest.

Uzbekistan May Host the Asian Cup

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic have jointly submitted their candidacy to host the 2031 Asian Cup to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). According to the Uzbekistan Football Association's press service, the AFC has begun reviewing candidates to host the prestigious Asian football tournament. Considering recent efforts, created conditions, and international reputation, the football associations of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic have jointly expressed their confidence in hosting the Asian Cup at a high level.

Currently, stadiums in Tashkent, Namangan, Fergana, and Karshi have been brought up to international standards. Uzbekistan has previously hosted the AFC U-20 and U-23 tournaments and the Futsal World Championship.

Mirziyoyev Awards International Judo Federation Head

On February 27, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented the head of the International Judo Federation, Marius Vizer, with Uzbekistan's high honor – the "Friendship" order. The President's press service reported that President Mirziyoyev awarded Marius Vizer for his significant personal contribution to the development of the national judo school.

It is worth noting that Marius Vizer is in Uzbekistan for the prestigious "Grand Slam" international tournament. Discussions were held to further expand effective cooperation in developing the judo school and promoting this martial art in Uzbekistan.

"Uzbekistan actively participates in the activities of the international federation. In 2022, the country successfully hosted the World Championships for seniors and the World Championships for military personnel last year. At the Summer Olympics in Paris, Diyora Keldiyorova won Uzbekistan's first-ever gold medal in judo," the report states.

Marius Vizer highly appreciated the comprehensive reforms in Uzbekistan to promote a healthy lifestyle, support all sports, attract young people, especially girls, and create modern sports infrastructure.

The meeting also focused on expanding technical assistance and expert support in training athletes, coaches, and referees, and implementing effective mechanisms for talent selection.

Additionally, there was a proposal to regularly hold international judo competitions in Uzbekistan.

Shomurodov Named Roma's Player of the Month

Uzbek forward Eldor Shomurodov was named Roma's Player of the Month for February. Shomurodov received 48% of the votes, significantly outpacing his teammates, including Dybala, Celik, Angelino, and Sol.

In February, the 29-year-old striker played in five matches for Roma, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Shomurodov's current contract with Roma is set to expire next summer.

Uzbekistan U-20 Team Misses Out on World Cup Qualification

Uzbekistan's U-20 team lost to South Korea in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup in a penalty shootout (3-1), missing out on a spot in the World Cup.

In the quarterfinal match of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup in China, Uzbekistan's team lost to South Korea in a penalty shootout, ending their participation in the tournament. The regular time ended in a 3-3 draw. Thus, Farkhod Nishanov's team concluded their journey in the Asian Cup at the quarterfinal stage.

Isroil Madrimov Suffers Second Professional Defeat

On the night of February 23, the next professional boxing evening organized by "Riyadh Season" was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Uzbek boxer Isroil Madrimov faced American Virgil Ortiz in the ring and suffered a defeat.

In the 12-round fight, the judges' decision declared Ortiz the winner, allowing him to retain the interim WBC belt in the welterweight category.

Thus, the 26-year-old Ortiz celebrated his 23rd professional victory, while the 30-year-old Madrimov accepted his second professional defeat.

The main event of the evening featured two Russian professional boxers, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, competing for the undisputed world championship in the light heavyweight category.

Nursultan Ruziboev's Fight Ends Early

On the morning of February 23, the UFC Fight Night tournament took place in Seattle, USA, where Uzbek fighter Nursultan Ruziboev entered the octagon and secured a victory.

Facing American Erik McConnico, the Uzbek fighter delivered relentless blows in the second round, forcing McConnico to become defenseless, leading the referee to stop the fight.

"We planned to fight at a distance with my coaches. I am ready to fight at 77 and 84 kg," said Ruziboev.

Thus, the 31-year-old Ruziboev recorded his third victory in his fourth UFC fight. McConnico, on the other hand, suffered a defeat in his UFC debut.