“National sports award – 2025”: Akbar Djuraev named athlete of the year

The athlete of the year title was awarded to weightlifter Akbar Djuraev, a member of the Uzbekistan national team. In 2025, he dominated the Asian and World Championships as well as the Islamic Solidarity Games, winning gold at every major competition he entered and setting a new world record.

The best female athlete of the year award went to boxer Navbahor Hamidova, who claimed silver at the World Boxing World Championships and gold at the World Cup during the year.

The Uzbekistan Football Association was named sports federation of the year, in recognition of its extensive efforts to promote and develop football nationwide in 2025.

Special honors were also presented to Islombek Ismoilov, head coach of the Uzbekistan U-17 national team, and goalkeeper Ne’matulloh Rustamjonov. In addition, Abdurahmon Fozilov, head of the UFA’s fan engagement department, received the best sports promoter award.

The breakthrough of the year title was awarded to world karate champion Gulshan Alimardonova. She won gold in the women’s -50 kg category at the World Karate Championships in Cairo, becoming the first female karate world champion in the history of Uzbek sport.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Husniya Olimjonova was named young paralympian of the year. At the Fifth Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai, she secured eight gold medals, topping the podium in sprint events (100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, and 1500 m), as well as shot put, high jump, and long jump.