“I will remain an avid fan and ambassador of national sports” – Otabek Umarov resigns from the leadership of sports organizations

Otabek Muhammadaliyevich, during the coronavirus pandemic, most sports competitions went on “vacation”. The Triathlon Federation and the MMA Association, which you lead, are no exception. Can you elaborate on this?

I am very proud to say that many types of sports that were not previously popular in Uzbekistan are gaining popularity and becoming a prestige to some extent among young people.

We have done a lot with the team and there is still a lot more to do. To achieve their goals, these organizations have developed both plans and the necessary resources.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about a decision I have thought about a lot today. It was not an easy decision for me – during my leadership in the Triathlon Federation and the Mixed Martial Arts Association, I became very attached to talented and promising athletes who are the real pride of our country.

Life always puts new challenges before us and this year shows that these challenges can be more tremendous than we could even imagine. Our country, our people have faced a threat that has locked the whole world in a dead end.

Spontaneously, each of us is required to make every effort to overcome the challenges we face at the same time. I am well aware that in the current situation, the tasks related to the conduct of public service, ensuring public safety will take on a fundamentally new character and will require an unprecedented level of responsibility. This leaves me with no choice but to resign from my position in sports organizations.

So, you want to resign from the leadership of the Triathlon Federation and the MMA Association? What is the reason?

The reason is simple, both the Triathlon Federation and the MMA Association require time and effort in a due manner, and I cannot guarantee it in the current conditions.

Without your personal attention, will the interest in these sports, which are now gaining popularity, decrease?

No, I hope that my successors will continue to work to strengthen the popularity of Triathlon and MMA in Uzbekistan, to promote a healthy lifestyle and sports in the country.

No matter who the esteemed delegates find worthy of being appointed to lead the organizations, they can count on my support as I remain an avid fan and ambassador of national sports.

Are there any candidates for the chairmanship of the federation and the presidency of the association?

The team has chosen the candidates, of course. We will keep secret what candidates are being considered until our delegates appoint them by voting and officially announce them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who worked hard with me side by side, who helped and inspired me, as well as those who ensured that I worked tirelessly. Each of you has taught me a lot, and in many ways, it is because of you that I remember this period as a challenging, but very exciting phase of my life. Thank you!