Mirziyoyev awards the head of United World Wrestling with an order

Today, on October 13, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Nenad Lalovic, the head of United World Wrestling, who is currently visiting Uzbekistan, and awarded him the “Dostlik” (Friendship) Order. This was reported by the presidential press service.

According to the report, the meeting discussed expanding practical cooperation with this prestigious global organization in providing organizational and expert support for the development and popularization of martial arts in Uzbekistan.

“The traditional sports of Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, women’s wrestling, as well as mixed martial arts, are actively developing in our country,” the statement said.

In recent years, Uzbek martial artists have won 45 major awards, including gold medals at the Olympic Games and the World Championships.

During the talks, the international federation’s president highly appreciated the large-scale reforms being implemented in New Uzbekistan to promote mass sports. In particular, he praised the expansion of accessible and modern infrastructure, the regular organization of prestigious tournaments and competitions, and the involvement of young people in sports activities.

“The meeting also discussed the organization of major continental and world championships in Uzbekistan, the establishment of a Regional Wrestling Academy under the federation’s auspices, and cooperation in key areas such as sports medicine, dietology, psychology, and other disciplines,” the report stated.

The President emphasized the importance of promoting martial arts among children and youth, introducing modern methods for selecting and training talents, and improving the infrastructure from local clubs and gyms to schools of athletic excellence and specialized complexes. As the head of state noted, these measures should lead to new achievements at the Olympic Games and other major international competitions.

At the end of the meeting, President Mirziyoyev presented Nenad Lalovic with Uzbekistan’s high state award—the “Dostlik” (Friendship) Order—for his significant personal contribution to the development and support of mass sports and martial arts.

It is worth noting that earlier, Shavkat Mirziyoyev also received the President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, and awarded him the “Dostlik” Order.