Following the outstanding achievement of Diyora Keldiyorova in Paris last summer, becoming Uzbekistan’s first Olympic champion from any sport, further judo fever has ignited the country and with collaborative government support, new dojos continue to be built across the capital and beyond.
On Thursday 27th February, one such dojo was inaugurated at school number 17 in Tashkent. The official opening by local hero Diyora Keldiyorova brings judo further into the spotlight in the country. Keldiyorova’s historic win in Paris last summer has changed the sporting landscape throughout Uzbekistan and even further afield across Central Asia. She has made it possible for women in the region to dream of sporting success. Her Olympic gold medal sparked an immediate shift in Uzbekistan, a move towards greater equality and this dojo will inspire many young hopefuls to take up the sport, knowing what is possible.
The Uzbekistan Judo Federation made an agreement with the ministry of sport, the IJF and the ministry of school and pre-school to build dojos in schools around Uzbekistan in different regions. This one in School number 17 is named after the new Olympic champion.
The ribbon was cut by the daughter of Uzbekistan’s President, Vice President of the Uzbekistan Paralympic Committee and First Deputy Director of the National Agency of Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Her Excellency Mrs Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva, alongside IJF President Mr Marius Vizer and other important personalities.
Scores of children were present to celebrate with traditional music and dances, glittering in their national dress. Diyora, excited to be present, said, “Having been training with the national team for the last few years, I’m looking forward to being here now with my husband Azamat Matyakubov and with my coach Nelly. They will coach judo here at our new club. We will see how many children come to do judo here and then perhaps we will need to take more coaches in the future. I’m looking forward to seeing judo grow here and throughout Uzbekistan.”
An introduction was given to all gathered, “Welcome to the new dojo at number 17 elementary school. Uzbekistan is dedicated to building dojos in schools around the country. We would like to mention that this is the 16th dojo but in this project with the support of the President in collaboration with all stakeholders. This is where the Olympic champion Diyora Keldiyorova will be located. IJF President Marius Vizer is present for the grand slam and also this opening and we ask him to say a few words for us.”
Mr Vizer offered a warm speech, “Honourable organisers, dear judo family, congratulations to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to the government, the Uzbekistan Olympic Committee and the federation for the successful promotion of judo in the country and for all the achievements at the Olympic Games. For the next Games, we hope you will be successful again but there is a long way to go and a lot of work to do. I wish all judoka from the youngest to the seniors to develop skills in sport and in life which last throughout their careers. I wish you the best years and success starting here in the schools. Judo means friendship, respect, solidarity, unity and peace. Thank you for everything you are doing for our sport.”
Dr Ikramov, the Minister of Sport, then took the floor, “Good morning dear Mr Vizer, ladies and gentlemen, young judoka and parents, I welcome everyone to this new modern dojo in Tashkent. I thank all the parents for bringing their children here. On behalf of the federation and the Olympic Committee, I welcome you and thank you for being here on this important day. There are 16 new dojos now, thanks to the sponsors and the Olympic Committee and these judo schools include 13000 judoka training and learning judo. It is also important to recognise our place in the special defence of our whole population; this is a great step to help our children with disabilities, training in these schools to be able to enhance their lives.
In these coming days, our capital is hosting the grand slam and more than 50% of the participants are women. This shows equality within the IJF and a great commitment to inclusivity. Diyora is here and I hope that in the future we will have more champions from these children here, like her. As our president said at the meeting dedicated to sport last week, healthy people and healthy societies begin at school and this is a healthy example of what can be done.”
The Uzbek and IJF anthems were then played, with all the children present singing along with their national anthem. Following the music, Diyora gave her own speech, “I would like to express my gratitude to IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, to the National Olympic Committee and to the ministry of sports. They have created this dojo to meet all international standards. I hope the younger generation who are now loving judo take the trust of the federation and work hard to become new champions and raise our flag higher and higher.”
Young judoka then came forward on to the tatami and gave an exciting performance, a mix of gymnastic and judo sequences.
Then pupils of the 17th elementary school performed dances in traditional dress to the applause of all spectators and officials and the occasion came to a close.
