Olympic town in New Tashkent completed after three years of construction 

On August 18, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Olympic town in Tashkent. The foundation stone was laid on November 9, 2022. At the time, the head of state said the complex would become a symbol of the nation’s creative potential and Uzbekistan’s global sporting achievements, while also being an architecturally refined, energy-efficient facility incorporating advanced innovative solutions.

In a short period, an impressive complex was built on more than 100 hectares. The project, worth nearly $290 million, was implemented by CAMC Engineering in line with international standards. The Olympic town includes five main facilities.

The velodrome, built with complex engineering solutions and a distinctive design, meets the requirements of the International Olympic Committee. The wooden track surface, trajectory, and banking angles were carefully designed to meet global standards. The track is made from strong hardwood, layered meticulously, and kept under consistent temperature conditions throughout the year to maintain its quality. Even air resistance for cyclists has been taken into account.

Lighting is distributed evenly across the track, ensuring convenience for athletes and compliance with broadcasting standards. The stands seat 2,200 spectators, and in line with new IOC requirements, protective barriers have been installed. The velodrome is multifunctional – table tennis and fencing competitions and training can also be held there. This is the first facility of its kind in Uzbekistan.

Officials have been tasked with preparing a program to develop cycling by improving infrastructure across the regions. President Mirziyoyev emphasized that table tennis is affordable and accessible, and instructed that it be popularized in every school and neighborhood, along with local production of necessary equipment.

At the heart of the complex stands a stadium with a capacity of 12,000 spectators. During international tournaments, it will host opening and closing ceremonies. More importantly, its football pitch and nine-lane running track allow for competitions in 48 athletics disciplines, including world championships, the Diamond League, para-athletics, and IBSA Games for the visually impaired. At other times, the stadium will serve local training camps and dual education programs.

The stadium building has four floors, housing specialists of national teams and sports federations. Athletics and para sports are highly effective for improving public health and are widely included in the Olympic and Asian Games programs. However, their potential in Uzbekistan has not yet been fully utilized. Therefore, a task has been set to develop all athletics disciplines.

Regional stadiums will be reconstructed to improve conditions for athletics, foreign coaches will be brought in, and efforts will focus on enhancing athletes’ skills.

The large aquatics palace is also modern and convenient. It houses a 25x50-meter swimming pool, a 25x20-meter diving pool, a training pool, and a gym. All facilities meet international Olympic standards. Recently, a delegation from World Aquatics inspected the venue and confirmed that it is fit to host continental and world championships in swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo – including major events in the Olympic program. The facility can accommodate more than 2,000 spectators.

President Mirziyoyev shared his views on developing water sports and improving results in international competitions.

The team and individual sports arenas are also built to international standards. Each is a three-story building with 2,000 seats. The team sports arena is designed for volleyball, basketball, and handball training and competitions. The combat sports arena will serve to advance judo, boxing, taekwondo, and similar sports.

During his visit, President Mirziyoyev spoke with athletes:

“You are raising our flag high in international competitions and showcasing the development of our country. Each of your victories brings great pride to our people and strength and motivation to our youth. We hope you continue this path, inspire children to follow in your footsteps, and take our sport to new heights,” the president said.

The Olympic town also features 15 outdoor fields for football, volleyball, tennis, field hockey, and athletics. In addition, construction is nearing completion on a 400-bed Paralympic dormitory and a sports medicine research and practice center.