Tashkent loses hosting rights for Asian Games – sports digest

Uzbekistan was entrusted with the responsibility of hosting a large-scale multi-sport competition, but due to various challenges, the right to host the event was revoked. What will happen to the $289 million Olympic Village project now? This week’s sports news was marked by Tashkent's loss of the Asian Games, billionaire Alisher Usmanov's return to a prominent position, and discussions about the future of Pakhtakor Football Club, led by Jahongir Artykhojayev. QALAMPIR.UZ's Sports Digest brings you detailed insights into these key developments.  

Tashkent is not ready for the Asian Games

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has withdrawn Uzbekistan’s right to host the 2025 Asian Youth Games, transferring the event to Bahrain. The National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan released an official statement regarding the decision.  

On December 2, the Executive Committee of the OCA convened an online meeting to discuss an appeal from the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Sports. Uzbekistan had requested a one-year postponement for the III Asian Youth Games, citing disruptions in equipment deliveries and delays in commissioning the Olympic Village due to post-pandemic restrictions.  

However, the OCA emphasized the importance of holding the games in 2025, as they serve as qualifiers for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. As a result, the OCA decided to award the hosting rights to Bahrain.  

Despite this setback, the OCA encouraged Uzbekistan to prepare for large-scale events in the future, such as the Islamic Solidarity Games or the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.  

“Uzbekistan remains committed to the development of mass sports and the Olympic movement,” the National Olympic Committee's statement reads. “The instructions of our President regarding the construction and effective use of the Olympic Village, as well as the elevation of Uzbek sports to a new level, will be implemented. The complex will be fully prepared to host major sports events in the future.”  

Pakhtakor's annual expenses near 100 billion sums - Artiqkhujayev

Pakhtakor Football Club’s expenses for the 2024 season have approached 100 billion soums, according to club chairman Jahongir Artiqkhujayev.  

“Pakhtakor is not financially profitable. Someone must finance the main team of our city,” Artiqkhujayev remarked. "We spent our youth with this team. We support it wherever possible. Football is profitable in only 10-15 countries worldwide, and I do not believe it can be profitable in Uzbekistan.”  

To pursue new goals for the club, Pakhtakor hired Portuguese coach Pedro Moreira. However, Artiqkhujayev declined to disclose the coach's salary, citing a confidentiality clause in the contract.  

Alisher Usmanov returns to lead International Fencing Federation

On November 30, Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov was re-elected as president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) at a congress held in Tashkent.  

Usmanov's candidacy was registered in October, and he faced competition from Swedish candidate Otto Drakenberg. However, Usmanov's candidacy was ultimately approved.  

Shortly after his election, Usmanov voluntarily suspended his duties as FIE president, stating that he wanted to protect the organization from any negative impact resulting from the sanctions imposed on him.  

“After a resounding victory, Usmanov announced that, for the sake of the FIE’s interests, he would take the necessary steps to ensure that the unjustified sanctions against him would not affect the federation's activities,” a representative for Usmanov said.  

Usmanov first became president of the FIE in 2008 and was re-elected three times. However, he stepped down in 2022 following the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His 2024 candidacy was supported by fencing federations from over 100 countries.

Shakhobiddin Zoirov suffers first professional defeat in $1 million fight

The IBA Night of Champions boxing event took place at The Agenda in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where Uzbek boxer Shakhobiddin Zoirov faced Venezuelan Yoel Finol.  

The two fighters competed in a ten-round match for the IBA Pro championship belt. After a hard-fought battle, Finol emerged victorious via split decision, with the judges scoring the bout 95-95, 96-94, and 96-94 in favor of Finol.  

The IBA had announced that any boxer who secured a knockout victory before the 5th round would receive a $1 million prize. However, since the fight went the full distance, neither boxer claimed the bonus. For Zoirov, this marked his first defeat in his professional boxing career.  

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly considering conversion to Islam

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly considering converting to Islam as he continues to immerse himself in the culture of Saudi Arabia. This revelation was made by Ronaldo's former teammate, Saudi goalkeeper Walid Abdullah, during a local TV interview.  

"Ronaldo genuinely wants to convert to Islam. I spoke with him about it, and he expressed interest in our religion. He has already performed sujood (prostration) after scoring a goal and often encourages his teammates to pray and engage in religious rituals," said Abdullah.

According to Abdullah, Ronaldo shows great respect for Muslim players and even accommodates their religious practices during training.  

"When the call to prayer is heard during training, Ronaldo asks the coach to pause the session until the prayer call is over," Abdullah revealed.  

It is also reported that upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo asked Abdullah about the country’s cultural practices and showed curiosity about aspects of Islam. Abdullah noted that former Real Madrid teammates Mesut Özil and Karim Benzema had previously advised Ronaldo to consider Islam.  

During the program, Abdullah shared fond memories of Ronaldo and praised his relationship with his son, calling him a "role model for many."