President meets with members of the national football team
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the players and coaching staff of Uzbekistan’s national football team, field veterans, and representatives of the sports community.
The Head of State emphasized that the national team’s qualification for the World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, was a historic event for our people.
Football fans in Uzbekistan had waited 34 years for this day. In every match, members of the national team took to the field with a strong sense of responsibility, patriotism, and a belief in victory, opening a new chapter in the country’s football history.
The President expressed gratitude to the football players, their parents, and their mentors and coaches.
“Our football players can rightly be called heroes of our time, who have opened a new chapter in Uzbekistan’s history. They have brought tremendous joy to our people”, the Head of State said.
At the meeting, it was noted that the national team’s success had brought a significant boost not only to the sports sector but also to society as a whole. Today, football players have become a true example for young people, interest in sports has grown even further, and figures in literature and the arts, entrepreneurs, and the wider public are inspired by this historic result.
In recent years, large-scale efforts have been made in the country to develop sports, particularly football. More than 200 major sports facilities and about 4,000 private sports clubs have begun operating in the regions. Sports grounds have been built in more than 1,500 mahallas. A modern Olympic Village has been created in the capital, and the National Football Center has begun operating in Yuqorichirchiq district. Professional football academies and football schools have been established across all regions.
As a result of this work, the number of football fans has reached 5 million. The number of people who regularly play football has exceeded 1.3 million, while the number of professional football players has reached 17,000.
The Head of State emphasized that the creation of an open and transparent system in football and the eradication of negative phenomena such as corruption and nepotism have opened the doors to big-time sports for talented young people.
At the meeting, special attention was paid to the broader development of football at the mahalla level and to turning it into a school that educates young people and promotes a healthy lifestyle, discipline, and patriotism.
To this end, a decision was made to launch the “Every mahalla – a football field” program. This initiative will be recognized as a nationwide movement.
As part of the program, a “Mahalla League” will be established, with mahalla football teams formed for boys and girls ages 1-17. Competitions among amateur football players will be held annually at the mahalla, district, regional, and national levels.
As noted, the “Mahalla League” will become an important platform for professional clubs to identify the most talented players. Every child will have the opportunity to play football in their mahalla, participate in competitions, and showcase their talent.
At the meeting, special emphasis was also placed on the work of the national team’s coaching staff, led by head coach Fabio Cannavaro.
The Head of State described Fabio Cannavaro as a specialist with extensive experience in world football. In 2006, as captain of the Italian national team, he became a world champion, and that same year he was named the world’s best footballer and awarded the Ballon d’Or.
As noted, the coaching staff is introducing new requirements for players’ physical fitness, discipline, tactical approach, and a responsible attitude to every detail. The role of modern elements of football, such as correct positioning, high pressing, ball control, and quick counterattacks, is being strengthened in the team’s play.
The President congratulated Fabio Cannavaro on his first World Cup as a coach and wished the coaching staff success.
The Head of State emphasized that there would be no easy matches at the World Cup and that the national team would face Portugal, Colombia, and Congo. At the same time, it was noted that our football players have already made history, and now it is important for them to defend the honor of the Motherland with dignity in these important matches, without unnecessary pressure and with full dedication.
During the World Cup matches, the team will be supported in the stadiums by fan clubs, thousands of supporters, and our compatriots living in America.
“Our people believe in you. The President believes in you. Take to the field boldly, play from the heart, and defend the honor of the Motherland with dignity”, the Head of State said.
The meeting took place in a warm and sincere atmosphere. The national team was wished a worthy performance at the World Cup, new victories, and good luck.
UzA
