A Strong Society Through Sport: Reforms and Prospects

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the video-conference meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on April 7 of this year—focused on elevating physical culture and sports to a new level, widely involving the population in mass sports, and improving the selection and training system—is a strategic continuation of state policy.

The results of reforms over the past nine years were highlighted: more than 1,774 modern sports grounds have been established in over 1,500 mahallas, more than 200 large sports facilities and nearly 4,000 private sports clubs have begun operations. Furthermore, the number of young people professionally engaged in sports has doubled, the number of athletes in Olympic teams has increased twofold, and Paralympic participants threefold. In the past year alone, our athletes won 452 gold, 418 silver, and 501 bronze medals at international competitions, with more than 50 of them breaking world and Asian records.

However, alongside these achievements, shortcomings in the sector were also addressed. In particular, the involvement of the population in mass sports, the passing of physical fitness tests, and the efficiency of the training system for champions were critically discussed. The introduction of additional awards to stimulate sporting achievements and the effectiveness of mass sports has served as a powerful incentive for us to move forward with renewed strength and enthusiasm. These opportunities will undoubtedly bear fruit and open doors for selecting talented youth.

Engaging the middle-aged population in physical training and sports leads to increased labor productivity and longevity by eliminating sedentary lifestyles, obesity, high blood pressure, muscle atrophy, spinal curvature, disc herniation, and cardiovascular diseases. The meeting emphasized that responsible organizations and personnel must move away from the concept of treating the population solely with medication and instead focus on forming "healthy lifestyle" skills.

The introduction of an entirely new approach based on the "mahalla – school – sports institution – federation" chain is one of the most fundamental steps toward increasing efficiency in sports selection. If individuals are directed toward specific sports based on their internal capabilities, aptitude, and talent, while providing appropriate conditions, we will see rapid growth in sporting achievements.

Research indicates that 7% of the population possesses high motor skills, of which 0.13% fall into the "talented" category. Yet, we see a high percentage of sporting success in countries with small populations. What does this indicate? It shows that leading sports nations have implemented a scientifically based system for identifying, correctly directing, selecting, and nurturing promising athletes. Therefore, establishing a perfect, scientifically grounded system for searching and training sports talent must be the foundation of athlete development in New Uzbekistan.

New Uzbekistan requires well-rounded, intellectually developed youth who think innovatively, can lead all sectors to high peaks, join the ranks of the most advanced industrial nations, and begin every task with national pride and the blessings of their ancestors. Sport creates the foundation for raising such youth, encouraging them to be brave and courageous. We, as faculty members, must work diligently to fulfill our duty of educating the younger generation to be mature individuals and perfect masters of their professions.

F. B. Muzafarova,
Deputy Dean for Youth Issues and Spiritual-Educational Affairs, Faculty of Physical Culture, Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute (BSPI), PhD, Associate Professor