Plans for the development of hockey in Uzbekistan were discussed at the National Olympic Committee

The National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan discussed plans to develop hockey in the country. The meeting was prompted by an appeal from hockey fans to the country's leadership asking for state support for the industry.

The meeting was attended by the Presidential Representative for Sports Affairs Odil Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Sports Adham Ikramov, NOC Secretary General Oybek Kasimov, and Vice President of the Hockey Federation Bakhodir Gafurov. The press service of the National Olympic Committee reported this.

During the negotiations, the main areas of hockey development were discussed in detail, including creating favorable conditions for young people to play hockey, improving sports infrastructure, ensuring conditions for Uzbekistan's junior and national teams to advance to higher divisions of world championships, and preparing for the Winter Asian Games.

The participants also considered measures to strengthen the activities of hockey clubs, improve the system for selecting talented athletes, and train qualified coaches and specialists.

Earlier, a group of hockey fans appealed to the country's leadership with a request to help finance sports schools and facilities, hold international and regional competitions, and ensure the participation of local hockey players in them.

The appeal noted that the country's only professional adult hockey club, Humo, is under threat of closure due to lack of funding.

"Since the resumption of ice hockey in 2019, Uzbek hockey players have achieved significant results. The national and youth teams have twice become world champions in their divisions. Uzbek hockey clubs have also gained fans not only in our country, but also abroad. These achievements confirm that interest in ice hockey is high and that it has become a popular sport," the appeal states.