On Monday, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the newly completed Olympic Village in Tashkent, marking the culmination of one of the country's most ambitious sports infrastructure projects for the upcoming big events on national soil.

Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday 9 November 2022. At the time, President Mirziyoyev emphasised that the Olympic Village would symbolise the creative potential of the Uzbek people, the global achievements of national athletes, and stand as a modern, energy-efficient complex built on advanced innovation. In under three years, the project was completed across more than 100 hectares at a cost of nearly $290 million (€250m). Implemented by CAMC Engineering, the development meets international standards and features five major sports facilities.

A key highlight is Uzbekistan's first international-standard velodrome. Designed with complex engineering solutions and a distinctive architecture, its track is constructed from durable laminated wood, with constant temperature control ensuring year-round quality. The arena seats 2,200 spectators and includes protective barriers in line with the latest International Olympic Committee requirements.

In the Olympic Village stands a 12,000-seat athletics stadium. DARYO
In the Olympic Village stands a 12,000-seat athletics stadium. DARYO

Beyond its primary cycling function, the velodrome is configured to stage table tennis and fencing tournaments. During his tour, President Mirziyoyev announced a national programme to promote cycling and popularise table tennis in schools and local communities. At the heart of the village stands a 12,000-seat stadium capable of hosting 48 athletics disciplines. It is equipped for 48 disciplines including world championships, Diamond League events, Paralympic tournaments and IBSA Games for athletes with visual impairments. An adjoining four-storey building houses the headquarters of sports federations and training facilities for national team specialists.

The president instructed officials to strengthen athletics nationwide by reconstructing regional stadiums, attracting foreign coaches and improving athlete training programmes. The aquatic centre comprises Olympic-standard pools for swimming and diving, a training pool and a fitness hall. Recently inspected by World Aquatics, the venue has been cleared to host world-class events in swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo, with a capacity of more than 2,000 spectators.

Two additional three-storey arenas, each with 2,000 seats, have been built for team sports and martial arts. One will stage volleyball, basketball and handball, while the other is dedicated to judo, boxing and taekwondo. "You are raising our flag at international competitions and showcasing our nation's progress. Each of your achievements is a source of pride for our people and an inspiration for our youth," said President Mirziyoyev in his address to athletes at the venue.

Aquatic Palace includes Olympic-standard pools for swimming, diving and water polo. President.UZ
Aquatic Palace includes Olympic-standard pools for swimming, diving and water polo. President.UZ

The Olympic Village also features 15 outdoor pitches for football, volleyball, tennis, hockey and athletics. A Paralympic dormitory with 400 beds and a sports medicine research centre are nearing completion.

Dubai was only named host for the 2025 Asian Youth Games in April after Tashkent, the original host, pulled out of organising the event, stating that the necessary infrastructure to host the Games at the highest level would not be ready. The emirate city was more than happy to host the Games and was committed to delivering an exceptional edition. Now it seems that the Central Asia country has committed to being a major player in the upcoming bids to host events.