Uzbekistan’s national sport Turon to be showcased at one of the largest sports festivals in the United States
A historic event is set to take place on March 7, 2027, in Columbus, Ohio, United States. The first international tournament in Turon, Uzbekistan’s national sport, will be held as part of the world-renowned Arnold Sports Festival.
In 2026, the festival attracted nearly 20,000 athletes from more than 80 countries and over 100,000 spectators. The event features major competitions in bodybuilding, weightlifting and various martial arts. For the first time, Uzbekistan’s national sport will be represented at this prestigious festival alongside 22 other sports.
“This sport has a long history, dating back to our great ancestors such as Amir Timur and Jaloliddin Manguberdi”, said Farrukh Niyozimbetov, President of the International Turon Federation. “Through this sport, we want to showcase the true strength, culture and traditions of the Uzbek people to the world. Our main goal is to raise Uzbekistan’s flag even higher and eventually secure Turon’s inclusion in the Olympic Games”.
It is worth noting that Turon has been rapidly gaining popularity worldwide in a relatively short period. The International Turon Federation was established on July 15, 2025, and has since grown to include 35 member countries. The first Turon World Cup, held in Tashkent in June 2026, brought together nearly 600 athletes from more than 25 countries. Participants also came from countries as far away as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Chile. This clearly reflects the considerable attention being paid to sports in New Uzbekistan.
The festival in the United States will feature not only sporting competitions but also an extensive cultural program, prepared in cooperation with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the United States, the Consulate General in New York, and the “Vatandoshlar” Public Foundation.
Spectators will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Uzbek music, songs, dances and handicrafts. Through Uzbekistan’s national sport, international guests will also gain a deeper understanding of the country and its rich cultural traditions and values.
UzA
