An interview with
Sherzod Tashmatov
President of the Amateur & Professional Muaythai Federation of Uzbekistan



MTE: Mr President I think it’s fair to say that you have been the driving force behind the success of Muaythai in Uzbekistan?


Sherzod: The success is really due to our athletes rather than myself, I am just helping the development of the sport but it is our fighters who really love all aspects of Muaythai and are so dedicated


MTE: That is very modest of you. Uzbekistan has been awarded the 2011 World championships, would you care to comment on this?


Sherzod: Well we are very proud of this, we hosted a very successful Asian Championships and we are looking forward to welcoming all our IFMA sisters and brothers from around the world to Tashkent.


MTE: The Asian Championship were praised for the cultural impact, is this an important part of the games for you?


Sherzod: Yes the cultural part is very important for us and for the sport in general. It is important for IFMA. Our main priorities are the athletes, the food, accommodation, training and competition. Next is the cultural exchange.


Yes an opening ceremony is important but no need to spend millions of dollar on it. We rather spend it on the athletes and on a cultural night where we include all our years of history and tradition and let the visitors incorporate their culture. It’s a great experience for everyone to treasure.

MTE: Uzbekistan has been involved in this program of cultural exchange since day one of IFMA?

Sherrod: We are one of the founding members of both IFMA and FAMA. IFMA prides itself on all important factors such as respect, tradition and friendship. Therefore we incorporate these ideals in our events and make it not just a competition but a festival of and for Muaythai.


In the end there can be only one winner in each division but we want everyone to go home with fond memories of this event and remember these championships in which they take pride in their participation. So we welcome the world to the 2011 IFMA World championships in Tashkent Uzbekistan


MTE: Muaythai thanks you.