This team has made history
as one of the first Uzbek football clubs ever established not only in Sweden
but across the entire European region. Umid Togaev, one of the initiators and a
compatriot living in Sweden, noted that the idea was inspired by the historic
qualification of the Uzbekistan national team for the World Cup.
"We felt immense pride
when Uzbekistan's national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time
in history. This achievement is a source of national pride beyond just sports.
At the same time, we realized the importance of promoting our country abroad
through athletics. Our proposals were fully supported by the embassy," he
said.
In April 2026, Nordic Uzbek F.C. was officially
registered and gained the right to compete in the eighth division, the initial
stage of the Swedish national football system. This is seen as the beginning of
a significant sporting journey for the new Uzbek team in Europe.
Khabibulla Khojaev, one of
the club's leaders, mentioned that the team will play its first official match
on May 3. "For us, every game is a great experience and an opportunity.
Our main goal is to develop step-by-step and eventually rank among Stockholm's
strongest teams," he stated.
According to the founders,
"Nordic Uzbek" is expected to become an important social platform
that unites the Uzbek diaspora abroad. The project aims to strengthen national
solidarity, involve youth in sports, and enhance Uzbekistan's international
image.
