International running competitions were held in the city of Kokand

The Silk Road Uzbekistan spring series has concluded, bringing together more than 20,000 participants from 28 countries.

Today, Silk Road Uzbekistan has long since transcended the confines of a typical running event. The project has become one of the largest sports movements in the country and an important part of government policy aimed at promoting physical activity, supporting youth, and building a healthy society.

On May 17, the capital hosted the large-scale Silk Road Tashkent and Talaba Yugur sports festival, which brought together over 5,000 participants. The event brought together professional athletes, students, running enthusiasts, families with children, and participants from abroad.

One of the key events of the spring season was the 3rd Central Asian U18 Athletics Championships, held for the first time at the new Olympic Stadium in the Olympic Village in Tashkent. The tournament was the first major international athletics competition held at this venue and opened a new chapter in the history of Uzbekistan's modern sports infrastructure.

It's worth noting that the Central Asian Championships were held on a new, certified MONDO athletics track, which meets modern international standards. The use of this world-class surface allowed athletes to achieve outstanding results in a highly competitive environment and confirmed Uzbekistan's readiness to host major international sporting events.

The new Olympic Village and Olympic Stadium have become symbols of the large-scale transformations being implemented in the country at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Today, Uzbekistan is consistently developing a modern, international-level sports infrastructure, creating new opportunities for both professional sports and the further development of the mass sports movement.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has repeatedly emphasized that the development of mass sports, support for youth, and the creation of a healthy society must remain key priorities of state policy. Thanks to ongoing reforms, new sports facilities, public spaces, parks, and running routes are being created across the country, making them accessible to millions of citizens.

The final event of the season was the Silk Road Kokand International Half Marathon, which took place on May 24 in the ancient city of Kokand. Over 4,000 people participated in the race in one of the most beautiful cities of the Fergana Valley. The half marathon route ran through the central streets and historic quarters near the Khudoyar Khan Palace, allowing participants to explore the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city on the Great Silk Road.

One of the key features of Silk Road Uzbekistan is its effective combination of sport and tourism. Participants come to the races not only for athletic achievement but also to experience the culture, history, and modern life of Uzbekistan's cities. This allows the project to significantly contribute to promoting the country's tourism potential internationally.

The prize fund for the Silk Road spring series amounted to 429 million soums. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners and runners-up in the half marathon, 5 km, and 10 km races for men and women. Winners of the Kids Run children's races received commemorative gifts from the project organizers and partners.

The Talaba Yugur project, which has been implemented in all regions of the country since 2024, has once again become an important part of the series. Today, it has become part of Uzbekistan's modern student sports culture. The project helps engage young people in sports, foster sustainable motivation for an active lifestyle, and create a new youth environment where sports become a natural part of everyday life.

A special highlight of the series were the Inson Uchun inclusive races, which brought together people with disabilities, professional athletes, and amateur runners on a single course. The project's key values ​​were support, attention, and the creation of equal opportunities for every participant. The Inson Uchun races were held over a symbolic distance of 1 kilometer. The prize fund was divided into four categories: first-place winners received 3 million soums, second place winners received 2 million soums, and third place winners received 1 million soums.

The series was organized by the Central Asian Academy of Running and Walking, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Project partners included Uzbektelecom JSC, ASTERIUM JSC, UZAUTO MOTORS JSC, and the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The next stage of the Silk Road Uzbekistan will take place on September 13 in Khiva. The fall season will continue the development of one of the country's largest mass sports movements, which attracts more and more participants each year.