Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Today, an extraordinary election conference of the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Association of Uzbekistan took place at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The event brought together Minister of Internal Affairs Aziz Tashpulatov, Minister of Sports Adham Ikramov, First Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia Otabek Umarov, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee Oybek Kasimov, delegates, athletes, and heads of regional internal affairs departments.

The conference addressed two key issues. First, the merger of the Pankration and Grappling Associations of Uzbekistan into the Mixed Martial Arts Association was approved. Following this, the association leadership was elected, and Minister of Internal Affairs Aziz Tashpulatov was unanimously chosen as Chairman.

Minister of Sports Adham Ikramov highlighted the successful efforts of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in promoting volleyball nationwide. He emphasized that this experience will also help elevate mixed martial arts to new heights, inspiring thousands of young athletes across the country.

In his address, Aziz Tashpulatov outlined a comprehensive program for mixed martial arts development, emphasizing the effective use of opportunities created through state initiatives in the sports sector. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in cooperation with regional sports departments, will focus on identifying young talents, especially among unorganized youth. It will also create modern training infrastructure at the JAR Sports and Recreation Center under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and in sports complexes throughout the regions.

Plans also include free medical checkups for athletes at hospitals within the internal affairs system before major competitions, collaboration with international federations, and efforts to improve referee and coach qualifications.

Speaking at the event, Otabek Umarov, First Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee, noted the strong interest in mixed martial arts among internal affairs employees and leadership. He expressed confidence that this new direction would open broader opportunities for young people.

At the conference, Ayubhon Rakhmatullaev was unanimously elected First Deputy Chairman of the Association, Shukhrat Anvarov was elected Deputy Chairman, Khojakbar Khakimov was appointed Secretary General, and Murodkhon Turaev was appointed Executive Director of the Association.

Additionally, decisions were made to strengthen cooperation between coaches and sports schools, develop MMA facilities in the regions, build octagons, and establish fan clubs at competitions, further contributing to the sport’s growth and popularity nationwide.