NOVOSIBIRSK, May 25. /Dunyo IA/.  For the first time, the General Consulate of Uzbekistan in Novosibirsk hosted an extensive football tournament bringing together compatriots living across the Siberian Federal District of Russia, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The initiative timed with the upcoming 35^th anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence and celebrated the national team's historic debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Four teams of compatriots from the Novosibirsk, Tomsk, and Kemerovo regions took part in the tournament. The competitions were organized with the assistance of the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports of the Novosibirsk Region, which provided football pitches and a refereeing team free of charge.

Before the start of the matches, the participants received words of encouragement and wishes for fair play. It is noted that the tournament demonstrated the unity and solidarity of the compatriots. The games were held in a tense and fair competition, showcasing a high level of athletic training among the participants.

The compatriot community from the Novosibirsk Region fielded two separate rosters for the tournament, comprising local university students alongside personnel from the General Consulate and the regional office of “Uzbekistan Airways”.

The student team from National Research Tomsk State University emerged victorious in the tournament, defeating their peers from the higher education institutions of the Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass in the final match. The third-place honors went to the student squad from the Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Following the closing matches, the champions were presented with a commemorative trophy and medals, while the prize-winners were honored with medals. A festive plov reception was hosted on behalf of the General Consulate for all participants and distinguished guests.