Sports passed into the hands of the President

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has assumed full control of Uzbekistan's National Olympic system. At the 41st General Assembly of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Uzbekistan, held on November 25, the President of Uzbekistan was unanimously elected as Chairman of the National Olympic Committee.  

This decision fills a leadership gap that had existed since Rustam Shoabdurakhmonov’s tenure as chairman from 2019 to 2022. With this election, Mirziyoyev now officially and practically leads the organization.  

The President’s youngest son-in-law, Otabek Umarov, has been appointed as the First Deputy President of the NOC. Umarov, who also holds the roles of Deputy Chairman of the State Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, plays a key role in sports administration. In addition, he chairs the Uzbekistan Triathlon Association, founded the Uzbekistan MMA Association, and leads the Central MMA Confederation. Alongside his wife, Shahnoza Shavkatovna Mirziyoyeva—First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection and First Deputy Chair of the National Paralympic Committee—Umarov actively supported athletes during the historic Paris 2024 Summer Games, Uzbekistan’s most successful Olympics to date.  

It remains unclear whether Umarov will step down as Deputy Chairman of the National Paralympic Committee following his new appointment.  

Sherzod Tashmatov, who has served as Deputy Chairman of the NOC and Chairman of the Uzbekistan Taekwondo Association, will retain his position.  

The assembly was attended by key government officials, including Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Head of the Presidential Administration Department Odil Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Sports Adham Ikramov, members of the General Assembly, and representatives from various federations and associations.  

In his address, Prime Minister Aripov acknowledged recent achievements but also criticized missed opportunities and underperformance by certain federations.  

President Mirziyoyev’s election was not merely ceremonial. The decision was driven by the necessity for comprehensive preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games and the collective request of Uzbekistan’s Olympic community, including athletes and coaches.  

The newly appointed leadership faces several critical tasks. Chief among them is ensuring rigorous preparation for the 2028 Olympics in the USA, promoting the Olympic Movement as per the NOC charter, and fostering both the physical and spiritual education of Uzbekistan’s population. This includes developing physical education and national sports, expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities, and advancing the overall Olympic agenda.  

The names of national federation leaders and their deputies are expected to be announced soon.