President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan held a video conference on April 7 dedicated to issues of developing physical education and sports. The meeting presented comprehensive measures to popularize mass sports, improve public health, and reform the training system. According to the presidential press service, new approaches will evaluate the effectiveness of mass sports in neighborhoods not only by the number of people involved but also by their health indicators.
Under the announced innovations, one district in each region will be selected to form a "health balance." Additionally, a corps of "healthy lifestyle volunteers" will be established from among citizens actively engaged in sports, who will promote sports and healthy living principles in neighborhoods. In each district, 10 of the most exemplary neighborhoods in this system will receive free sports uniforms and equipment.
An incentive system was also introduced: if a neighborhood increases sports participation, improves public health, and reduces cases of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, by year-end, the volunteer and neighborhood chairman will receive a reward of up to 15 million soums. The trainer responsible for mass sports in that neighborhood will receive a salary bonus of up to 200%. These measures aim to enhance public health and broaden the promotion of sports.
The meeting noted that intensive workouts not requiring special equipment or large infrastructure, including crossfit, are gaining popularity worldwide. Consequently, by May 1, all schools and technical colleges are instructed to organize clubs in this area. Starting next year, crossfit will be included in the "Five Initiatives" system, which will encourage sports among youth.
A new order for promoting sports in state bodies and organizations has also been established. Now, every minister, sector and bank head, regional and district governor must set an example for their employees in sports engagement and expand conditions for it. For this purpose, one day a week will be designated as a sports day, during which sports activities will be held in ministries, agencies, and organizations.
From 2026, annual republican competitions between ministries, sectors, banks, and governorates are planned. Furthermore, from 2026, state employees in Uzbekistan will be required to undergo annual medical check-ups, and the sale of sweets, flour-based, and fatty dishes in state body cafeterias will be banned. From August 2025, physical education events must begin in state bodies.
According to a presidential decree, since 2021, leaders and employees of state bodies have been required to engage in sports at least once a week. Leaders must personally demonstrate to employees how to improve anthropometric indicators, reduce obesity levels, and strengthen health. These measures are aimed at fostering a healthy lifestyle in society.
Source: www.gazeta.uz