In December I managed to take a trip to Tashkent – the city of my childhood – to see my family and friends. They’re making a documentary film about me at the moment, so naturally I made sure they included a bit on my childhood in Tashkent.


My family in Tashkent (from left to right): cousin Firuza, Granny, Auntie Luiza, me, my nephew Chingizkhan, Granddad and Dad.

Winter’s not the best time of year for Tashkent, but to be honest, I don’t notice this, because I always find it so warm here. I love this city. I love its hospitable people, its culture, and I miss it when I’m unable to visit for a while.

My excitement began in the airport even before the plane took off – so many memories came flooding back. You see, I hadn’t been there for a few years. Tashkent is where I spent my childhood, where I grew up surrounded by love, happiness and attention. I was a totally happy child there. This is really important, because the atmosphere you grow up in, in which you begin your life, affects your whole life to come.

I don’t mean to say there were never any difficulties in my life: just that from childhood I was taught to take the right attitude to things. These days I find myself thinking more and more that whatever happens in life is always for the best.

I visited all my old haunts in Tashkent: the house where I lived, my kindergarten, and the school and gym where I was taught and trained.


Dad and I in my first gym


I got the impression that Tashkent had hardly changed since I left. Dad and I went to see the stadium where he used to play for Pakhtakor and I used to sit in the stands cheering at his goals, along with everyone else. I remember being so proud that it was my Dad who had scored, and I used to dream of doing something myself that would make the whole stadium go wild with delight. By the way, Dad is also working on youth issues: just recently he was appointed senior trainer for the Uzbek youth team.


Nanayka and Duati (my grandmother and grandfather)

I’m really pleased I managed to spend so much time with Granny and Granddad, because it’s been four years since I last saw them.

Granny used to worry about me all the time (probably like every grandmother in the world) - that I am working too hard, or training too hard and getting very tired. When I met her during this trip the first thing she said to me was “I’m so pleased you’ve given up sport”. And I too am pleased that I’ve given up sport and found a calling for myself in other spheres that are just as important for the country and interesting for me.


With nephew Chingizkhan

I’m so glad I managed to spend some time in the city where I was born and to see my family and friends…They gave me such a warm welcome that I didn‘t want to leave. But when I did, I took with me a mass of positive emotions and vivid memories. I want to say “thank you” once again to the city and the land where I was born, where I was brought up and took my first steps in life and gymnastics. I really hope Uzbekistan will be strong and prosperous!