Dushanbe, Tajikistan - At 15:00, on the afternoon of May 4, the 1^st Asian University Boxing Championship officially opened with a grand and splendid Ceremony at the competition venue "Sports Complex of 20^th Year Anniversary of Independence", with the attendance of AUSF General Coordinator Ms. Laura YAN, the Special Representative of AUSF Executive Committee, Minister of Tajikistan Education and Science Mr. Said NURIDDIN, Chairman of Tajikistan Committee of Youth Affairs, Sports and Tourism Mr. Akhtam ABDULLOZODA, President of Tajikistan Boxing Federation Mr. Beg SABUROV and President of the Association of Student Sports of Tajikistan Mr. Shordi SAFAROV. The Ambassadors from countries the participating teams represented were invited to the Opening Ceremony as well and to cheer for their teams.

The marching pass started with the entrance of Referee team, who will officiate the matches in 6 days. When the 8 teams from Afghanistan, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan and host country Tajikistan marched in the stadium, all the audiences cheered and gave them the warmest welcome. This championship was the first international event in Tajikistan, so it was very attractive not only for the media, but also for the audiences, most of whom are students.

In his welcome speech, Mr. Said NURIDDIN welcomed all the delegations to Dushanbe. He said the President of Tajikistan was strongly supported the development of university sports in Tajikistan, and the whole nation was very proud to host the first international championship here. He said that sports was the bridge for friendship, and youth was the hope of the nation. This championship surely is an opportunity for Tajikistan to know more about Asia, and for Asia to learn more about Tajikistan.

After the welcome speech of Mr. Akhtam ABDULLOZODA, Ms. Laura YAN expressed the heartfelt appreciation, on behalf of AS, to the Organizing Committee for hosting 1^st Asian Univesity boxing championship. On the occasion of the 25^th Anniversary of the State Independence of Tajikistan, she expressed the best wishes from all the participants and wished this Championship could be one of the best gifts from Asian friends for Tajik people. Also, she expressed the gratitude to all the participants for their coming and hoped that they can have their best performance during the Championship. She hoped that the youth can make new friends, know more about the culture of Tajikistan, and go back home with an unforgettable memory.

To show the appreciation, Mr. Said NURIDDIN and Mr. Akhtam ABDULLOZODA presented a handicraft plate to AUSF for attributing 1^st Asian University Boxing Championship to Tajikistan. In return, Ms. Laura YAN presented crystal cups to Mr. Said NURIDDIN, Mr. Akhtam ABDULLOZODA and Mr. Beg SABUROV in appreciation of the dedication and commitment of Tajikistan.

The Opening Ceremony ended with the 40-minute cultural performance. The most eye-attractive program was the gymnastics and taekwondo shows. The most moving program was the songs sung in the mother languages of all the participating countries. The wonderful performances won cheers and applause of the audience constantly.

(Source: AUSF Secretariat)