On April 28, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Football Association center and the Neftchi children's football academy in the Fergana region. The head of state familiarized himself with the facilities and observed the training sessions of young athletes.
During a conversation with the academy's students, the president emphasized the need for fair selection, modern conditions, and knowledge-based training to develop football. "For 34 years, Uzbekistan has never qualified for the World Cup. Because there was no foundation for the dream. First of all, I said from the very beginning that we would establish justice. Justice means there are many kids like Abdukodir [Khusanov] in the world. But pushing them aside, nepotism, and the like have not benefited us," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
According to the president, young Uzbek footballers are now being closely watched abroad. "The world is watching Uzbek football youth, watching through a magnifying glass. Every move you make is monitored daily by major companies, states, including clubs from the United Arab Emirates," the head of state noted.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed that his goal is to create a foundation for the future of national football. "Therefore, looking at you and these conditions, I understand: without conditions and opportunities, it is impossible to develop not only in football but in any other sport," the president said.
The head of state also noted that many people in Uzbekistan love football, but love alone is not enough. "In our youth, we played without lights, without conditions, with bleeding feet. That was a different time. But as a person who lived through those times, I am creating all conditions for you. You must be worthy of the times, make efforts, and be educated based on knowledge. Only then will the measures be effective," Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.
The Neftchi children's football academy covers an area of over 4.5 hectares and is designed to train more than 150 students. Its territory includes six football fields, as well as a physiotherapy department equipped with modern medical and rehabilitation equipment. With an investment of $1.1 million, an indoor football arena with artificial turf and an air dome was built. To train players according to international standards, a UEFA instructor and other foreign specialists have been invited to the academy.
Source: www.gazeta.uz