Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 28-30 August, at the initiative of our country, the first international online weightlifting tournament "Independence Cup of the Republic of Uzbekistan" will take place. This competition, organized during the pandemic, generated a lot of interest among other countries. Thus, 150 athletes from about 40 countries of the world applied for participation. Today, an online press conference was held on the ZOOM platform, dedicated to issues related to the tournament.

The event was attended by the President of the NOC Rustam Shaabdurakhmanov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Weightlifting Federation of Uzbekistan Shakhrullo Makhmudov, representatives of the NOC, the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports, as well as the media.

The online conference was opened with an opening speech by Nazirjon Khudaykulov, adviser to the President of the NOC, he spoke about the online competitions held on the eve of the country’s Independence Day. Further, Shakhrullo Makhmudov answered journalists’ questions about the upcoming international tournament.

- If during the competition one of the participants sets a record, will this result be considered official?

- On this issue, we have reached an agreement with the International Weightlifting Federation. If the record holder passes the doping test after the competition, his result will be considered official. On this topic, we are currently discussing with the National Anti-Doping Agency of Uzbekistan (UzNADA), and at the end of the tournament, all our athletes will take a doping test.

- During the competition, unpleasant incidents can occur with the technique. What measures will be taken to prevent this from happening?

- All measures have been taken on this issue. In the territory where our athletes will participate, additional equipment and high-speed Wi-Fi networks have been installed. We are the organizer of this competition and we must have a quality network. In addition, in cooperation with the International Weightlifting Federation, additional equipment will be used.

During the event, Shakhrullo Makhmudov spoke about the preparations for the online competition.

“Despite the quarantine, we tried to support our athletes morally and spiritually. We followed the quarantine rules and conducted continuous training. They missed the competition. In some weight categories, we have principal rivals. If we can overcome them, our self-confidence will increase. With our good results, we want to give our compatriots a beautiful holiday. The University of Physical Culture and Sports has a monitor, thanks to which local residents will be able to watch the competition,” said Shakhrullo Makhmudov.

In turn, the director of the Sport TV channel Zokhid Karimov noted how the competition would be broadcast.

“Of course, we are also working together with the international federation. Most of the competitions will be streamed live. I think that these problems will not arise. It will serve as a kind of experience for us if we organize a live broadcast of such a major competition,” Zokhid Karimov explained.

Our famous weightlifter Adhamjon Ergashev, on behalf of the athletes, told how the training is being conducted.

“We are seriously preparing for the upcoming competition. Closer to the tournament, we improved our fitness. God forbid, we, with all our representatives, will win the victory and thus make our compatriots happy”.

- How will athletes be awarded at the end of the competition? Will they receive medals? Will the national anthem played by the winner?

- Participants will be determined only by the results of the biathlon. It is symbolic for the winners and medalists on the podium of the screen that their photographs and images of medals will be placed. And the national anthem will be played for the winning athlete.

At the end of the event, NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmanov shared his opinion:

“Hello, dear participants of the conference. I am very pleased that you took part in today’s online meeting. Our sport does not stand still, it develops further. Everyone continues to train online. Currently, in connection with the Independence Day, online competitions of table tennis players, archers, Paralympians, as well as among athletes of other sports are being held. These events are held in test mode, and our main goal is to attract people to a healthy lifestyle. Such competitions should motivate all sports fans,” said the head of the NOC.

We remind you that 8 weightlifters will represent Uzbekistan in the international online tournament.