The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced the appointment of Otabek Umarov of Uzbekistan as the first-ever representative from Central Asia to the FIA Senate.
The FIA Senate is the body responsible for the overall governance of the FIA and the oversight of the Federation’s financial and administrative matters. It also steers the implementation of its strategic vision across both sport and mobility.
“I am honoured to join as the first-ever representative from Central Asia to the FIA Senate. This milestone reflects Uzbekistan’s growing influence in global motorsport, offering a major opportunity to represent our interests at the highest level,” said Otabek Umarov, First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan and Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Asia. “In this role, I aim to showcase Uzbekistan’s potential to the international sporting community. I look forward to working with the Senate and supporting the FIA’s strategic objectives.”
A distinguished leader in international sports administration, Mr. Umarov brings to the Senate a wealth of experience spanning regional governance and high-level relations in the Olympic Movement. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and is the First Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan. In these capacities, he has been a driving force behind the modernization of sports infrastructure and the successful hosting of major international events in Uzbekistan. Most recently, he played a central role in organizing the 46th OCA General Assembly in Tashkent – the largest ever in the organization’s history. He was also pivotal in the landmark FIA General Assembly in Samarkand and the FIA Awards in Tashkent.
His work has been pivotal in integrating Uzbekistan into the global sporting community, leading efforts to bring major sporting events including the World Triathlon Championship Series in Samarkand (25-26 April), the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand (15-28 September), and the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Tashkent (8-10 October) all to be held later this year. He has also led efforts to bring the 2029 Asian Youth Games to Uzbekistan.
Mr. Umarov is recognized for his contributions to the growth of various sporting disciplines across Asia and has been honoured for his dedication to international diplomacy through sport. His appointment to the FIA Senate marks a historic milestone for Central Asia. This will ensure the region’s voice is represented at the highest level of global motorsport governance.
