The Central Asia Beach Volleyball Championship is scheduled to take place in Tashkent from July 25 to 27 of this year. This tournament will serve as a tool for strong Central Asian national teams to determine regional leaders and accumulate rating points necessary for participation in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Participation in this prestigious competition will allow leading Central Asian teams to compete not only for the championship title but also for important international rating points. These points are significant because they open the path to the qualification rounds of the Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.
Teams that finish first and second at the CAVA Championship will receive a direct pass to the Asian Beach Volleyball Championship. Currently, the Ministry of Sport and the Uzbekistan Volleyball Federation are conducting comprehensive work to organize this significant event at the highest level on the sports grounds of Tashkent.
According to doctors' advice, sports activities or simply walking can strengthen the body and improve mood. The author shares a personal experience when, during a walk, he noticed discarded pieces of bread near his house. He picked up these remnants, which were found both in ovens and in cardboard boxes.
At that moment, a young woman came out of the house, looked at him in surprise, and pointed to the bread, saying they didn't need it, and offered to take it. The author realized there was nothing to explain, and he took the bread without saying a word. He wondered whether this was arrogance or ignorance, as well as a weakness in upbringing within the family or in the young wife's household.
The author emphasizes that there are blessings in life that cannot be measured by money. Bread is one of such great blessings. In the culture of the Uzbek people, bread is revered not only as a daily food product but also as a symbol of prosperity and abundance, being part of a centuries-old way of life, customs, and spiritual heritage.
It should also be noted that the process of bread appearing on the table involves the hard work of many people: the sleepless nights of the farmer, the laborious process of turning grain into flour, and the efforts of mill workers. In the Uzbek nation, the attitude towards bread is valued as an indicator of a feast, family integrity, wealth, and hope for the future. Even if all earthly treasures are placed on the table, happiness will not come if there is no bread. Many do not realize how many resources—water, electricity, fuel, transport, and labor—are spent preparing bread that brings joy to our table.
Respect for bread ensures the well-being of the people. This is a life truth proven over hundreds of years. Traditions, such as saving bread for a traveler or a new wife entering a home with bread, as well as starting a meal with bread, reflect the people's high regard for this blessing.
The author recalls an incident about fifty years ago when he went to the Chorsu market with his father to buy school supplies. During the lunch break, they found a spot where pieces of bread remained in a basket. After lunch, his father began collecting these leftovers. The author objected, fearing the judgment of others, but his father replied: 'Who cares what people say? This is our lot. If we don't take it, they will throw it away. Let those who criticize, criticize.' The author felt ashamed then, but later understood that it was the highest form of upbringing. Since then, he has tried not to leave bread crumbs in places where he is with family or friends, believing that one should fear not hunger, but condemnation.
Another incident occurred when his father worked in a store in the Sergeli district of Tashkent. One day, an elderly man of Russian national origin entered the store. The bread cost ten kopecks, and the man gave five kopecks. His father cut the loaf in half. The author was surprised and asked his father, whereupon he explained: 'There are poor and needy people living on the other side of the street. This will be enough for them. They can take the other half in the evening. The main thing is not to allow waste.'
However, today, due to globalization, excessive consumption, and wastefulness, the true value of bread is sometimes forgotten, leading not only to moral but also to economic and environmental problems. This issue is relevant globally. According to FAO data, almost a third of produced food is lost or wasted. This is a serious problem against the backdrop of millions suffering from hunger.
Various print publications constantly discuss the most pressing global issues, such as water scarcity, fuel resources, including natural gas and electricity, which are vital resources. Today, food waste, including bread, is becoming a serious problem worldwide.
In the coming years, the country is focusing on state policy to reduce waste and recycle waste. Specifically, under the President's Decree of January 1, 2024, 'On Measures to Improve the Waste Management System and Reduce Negative Impact on the Environmental Situation,' broad tasks have been defined, emphasizing waste sorting and recycling, increasing the recycling share, and improving the environmental culture of the population.
Educators and psychologists assert that the sense of thrift and respect for blessings is formed primarily in the family, as children observe adults. Children learn much from the behavior of their elders, and this remains in their minds for a long time. The formation of an attitude towards every thing happens quickly in youth. Respect for bread originates in the family. A child sees the attitude of adults at the table. If bread is not thrown away and not bought in excess at home, and leftovers are used wisely, this will become a life habit for future generations.
Simple, yet time-tested rules always bear fruit. It is enough to follow them. For example, buying bread as needed, not overdoing it because of the heat, using leftovers to prepare national dishes or croutons, and giving surpluses to those in need—such simple habits have great social and economic significance.
Today, in New Uzbekistan, increasing environmental culture, transforming principles of thrift into a lifestyle, and rational use of natural resources are sustainable directions of state policy. The conscious attitude and personal responsibility of every citizen play a decisive role in achieving these goals.
Respect for bread is respect for the farmer's labor. Not wasting it means valuing the land, water, and other natural resources, and instilling a sense of thrift and responsibility in future generations. Because in a home where one respects their lot, prosperity reigns, and a society that values labor moves confidently toward progress and prosperity.
Following the 19th Summer Asian Games in Hangzhou (China) in 2022, where the Uzbekistan delegation achieved its best historical results in terms of the quantity and quality of medals, attention is now focused on the upcoming 20th Summer Asian Games to be held in Japan.
Currently, the Ministry of Sport, the National Olympic Committee, and relevant sports federations are taking necessary measures to achieve worthy results at the 20th Summer Asian Games, which will take place in the cities of Aichi and Nagoya (Japan) from September 19 to October 4 of this year. Training camps are being organized for national teams, and analytical work and monitoring are being conducted with the participation of experts and specialists.
The Ministry of Sport, the National Olympic Committee, and the federations for wrestling, martial arts, mixed martial arts, and other sports have analyzed the preparation processes carried out jointly with the heads of these federations. During discussions, issues regarding the physical and psychological preparation of athletes for prestigious international competitions, as well as the effective organization of training camps, were reviewed.
Reports from responsible persons on the preparatory activities being conducted were heard at the meeting. Recommendations were put forward to improve the activities of coaches and strengthen the selection system. Following the discussion, the heads of the sports federations were instructed to timely and qualitatively fulfill the assigned tasks, increase the performance of athletes on the international stage, and ensure worthy participation in future Asian Games.
Previously, at the Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018, the country's athletes won 20 gold, 24 silver, and 25 bronze medals. In 2022, the figures improved: 22 gold, 18 silver, and 31 bronze medals were won. According to the author, the large-scale reforms being implemented in the country in the field of updating sports infrastructure, developing mass sports, and preparing qualified athletes indicate that 'Aichi-Nagoya-2026' will mark the beginning of new successes in the country's sporting history.
Nevertheless, in major sports, success in intense competitions against the strongest teams from giant countries depends not only on adequate preparation but also on luck. The author expresses hope that the athletes and national teams, oriented towards 'battles' at the Asian Games, will always have open doors to success.
The republican stage of the final for adaptive sports within the framework of the 'Besh Tashabbus Paralympics' has started at the 'Olympia Shahrchasi' sports complexes in the capital.
In these competitions, 364 athletes selected from the Karakalpakstan Republic, regions, and the city of Tashkent will compete for victory in five types of para-sports.
Upon completion of the tournament, winners and prize-winners will be awarded valuable gifts. Furthermore, for 26 winners who took first place in the republican final, the construction of modern universal sports grounds is planned in their places of residence.
This event is of great importance as it promotes the opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in sports, increases their social activity, and advances a healthy lifestyle. The competitions will last until July 15.
