NEW YORK, September 1. /Dunyo IA/. On the eve of Uzbekistan’s 35^th anniversary of independence, the international reach of the Uzbek national sport “Turon” has reached a symbolic milestone of 35 countries, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The Turon international community continued to expand during the anniversary period. On August 25, the Peruvian Sports Federation of Police and Firefighters officially recognized Turon and joined the International Turon Federation, strengthening the sport’s presence in South America.

The sport was also presented in the heart of New York, where video materials dedicated to the ceremonial events marking 35^th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan were displayed at Times Square.

Today, Turon is represented in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Japan, South Korea, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Uganda, Algeria, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and Peru.

A major step in promoting Turon internationally was the establishment of the International Turon Federation in New York State on July 15, 2025, with the assistance of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in New York.

According to the Consulate General, supporting such initiatives is part of efforts to promote Uzbekistan’s national heritage, history, culture and traditions abroad.

International Turon Federation President Farrukh Niyazimbetov said the milestone is significant not only for the development of the sport, but also for promoting Uzbekistan’s national values.

In December 2025, Tashkent hosted the first international Turon conference, while from June 1–5 this year, the capital hosted the first World Cup, bringing together more than 500 young athletes from 25 countries.

The sport’s educational dimension is also expanding. Training in Turon has been introduced at the University of Physical Culture and Sport, with 28 students admitted for the first time. Initiatives have also been proposed in Uruguay and Bolivia to introduce Turon into educational programs at schools and universities, as well as police training systems.

Farrukh Niyazimbetov noted that today, Turon has taken its place on the international sports map, adding that the next goal is to expand its geographic reach, attract new partners and strengthen its international standing.

Turon is thus developing not only as a national sport, but also as a sporting ambassador of Uzbekistan, promoting the country and its national heritage internationally.