Uzbekistan has approved a comprehensive program to popularize cycling, identify young talent, and build a stronger national team, according to a presidential decree. The plan aims to raise the number of regular cyclists to 30,000 by 2030, improve results at Asian competitions, and increase the country’s Olympic licenses. It also introduces new tournaments for schoolchildren, university students, women, people with disabilities, and government employees, along with a separate phased cycling development program for Tashkent.
Key Takeaways: Uzbekistan plans to reach 30,000 regular cyclists by 2030 and begin holding new competitions and mass cycling events regularly from March 2027. From the 2027/2028 academic year, the share of students in para-cycling at the Republican Cycling Boarding School is set to reach 20%, while total enrollment will remain at 100 students in grades 6–11.
The decree frames cycling as both a professional sport and a public-health and youth-engagement priority. Under the plan, university students will compete for a “Students’ Cup”; high-school students at schools with suitable infrastructure will contest a “Director’s Cup”; and people with disabilities will take part in para-cycling events titled “Your Opportunities.” A “New Uzbekistan” tournament will be created for employees of ministries and agencies. A “Queens of Spring” cycling marathon will be held to mark March 8, and a mass ride called “Path to Health” will take place on September 22 as part of the “Car-Free Day” campaign.
Special attention will be given to young athletes. The Republican Cycling Boarding School will select talented children and prepare future members of national teams. From the 2027/2028 academic year, the share of its students involved in para-cycling is expected to reach 20%, with total enrollment unchanged at 100 students from grades 6 through 11. Cycling events will also be included in the “New Olympic Peaks of Uzbekistan” program. Before the start of the 2027/2028 academic year, the boarding school and the Cycling Federation of Uzbekistan will prepare educational video materials for schoolchildren.
Starting in March 2027, Tashkent will implement a separate cycling development program. Schools with appropriate infrastructure will be gradually supplied with bicycles in 2027–2028, and cooperation with coaches is to be established. The project will be financed from the local budget. Separately, by 2030 Uzbekistan aims to increase regular tennis players to 3,000 and coaches to 200, and to enter the top five Asian countries for the development of that sport.
Source: podrobno.uz