By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Uzbekistan has reaffirmed its support for Pakistani athletes and expressed readiness to expand sports cooperation, the country’s ambassador, Alisher Tukhtaev, said during a meeting in Karachi.
Speaking at a local auditorium, Ambassador Tukhtaev met with Rais Khan, Chief Executive Officer of RK Sports Management, with Albina Murtaza also present. He assured that Uzbekistan would encourage Pakistani companies seeking joint initiatives in the field of sports.
Rais Khan briefed the Ambassador on RK Sports Management’s activities, which include competitions in football, hockey, cricket, padel, squash, marathon, and boxing. He highlighted the organization’s efforts to promote talented athletes, with a special focus on providing a global platform for women players.
Khan also noted that RK Sports Management had recently become a member of the European Football Agents Association, a development he described as a significant step in creating easier pathways for Pakistani players to compete in Europe. He added that a delegation from the organization would soon visit Uzbekistan to discuss arrangements for hosting joint sports events.
Ambassador Tukhtaev praised Pakistan’s achievements in international sports and reiterated Uzbekistan’s commitment to supporting Pakistani firms interested in collaboration. He noted that visa requirements for Pakistani citizens had been relaxed and direct flights between the two countries were operational, facilitating closer engagement.
“Uzbekistan’s doors are always open for Pakistan,” he said. “There are vast opportunities for Pakistani investors, industrialists, and sports organizations alike. By increasing cooperation across various sectors, both countries can advance economically and culturally.”
