President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a detailed discussion on the development of sports, focusing on the state of football and athletics in the country. The head of state emphasized: "Sport should become not only a guarantee of people's health and high achievements but also a profitable industry." To achieve this goal, he criticized the practice of holding national championship matches during working hours, which has led to empty stadiums.

Mirziyoyev proposed moving games to weekends or evening times after 7:00 PM. This step would allow for the organization of recreation zones around stadiums with additional services, music, and entertainment, the launch of convenient transport for fans, and the offering of cheap tour packages for supporters from other cities. According to the president, this approach could help clubs increase revenues by 2-3 times, provide meaningful leisure for spectators, and generate additional profits for entrepreneurs.

The president also reminded attendees of a recently signed decree that creates favorable conditions for sports sponsors. Now, an entrepreneur covering 20% of a federation's annual expenses can secure a seat in its governing body. A businessman financing 20% of a professional football club's budget may take it into trust management. Mirziyoyev views these reforms as a crucial step toward making sports an economically efficient sector.

During the meeting, the president announced a new phase of reforms in physical culture and sports. He presented initiatives aimed at improving public health, with the effectiveness of mass sports in neighborhoods now to be assessed not only by participation rates but also by the dynamics of residents' health. This approach is designed to enhance the social and economic significance of sports in Uzbekistan.

Source: podrobno.uz