The Uzbekistan Futsal Association has announced the appointment of Bahodir Akhmedov as the head coach of the national futsal team of Uzbekistan. The official presentation and press conference will take place in Tashkent on November 9.
According to the terms of the agreement, Akhmedov will lead the team until the conclusion of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2028. He takes over the duties following the departure of Spanish coach Jose Maria Paso Mendez, known as Pulpis, who left the national team due to health problems.
Pulpis announced his departure in October 2026 in a letter to Bekzod Mamatkulov, President of the Uzbekistan Futsal Association. He explained that unexpected serious health issues forced him to leave Uzbekistan earlier than stipulated by the contract. Following medical advice, he is temporarily stepping away from professional sports for treatment.
This is not Akhmedov's first experience with the national team. Under his guidance, Uzbekistan won two bronze medals at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup. Furthermore, at the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania, the team passed the group stage and advanced to the Round of 16.
Bahodir Akhmedov was born on September 9, 1976, in Chirchik, Tashkent region. His sports career began with the clubs 'Splayv', 'Elektrohimprom', and 'Soliqchi' from Chirchik. Later, he won national championships with the teams 'Yunusabad', 'Ardus', and 'Stroitel Zarafshan'. As a coach, he led 'Maksam-Chirchik' to win national championship medals and achieved victory in the Uzbekistan championship with 'Jizzakh-Kentex'.
Currently, the national team is holding a training camp in Tashkent as part of the FIFA international calendar. As part of the preparation, the team will hold two friendly matches against Tajikistan. The first match will be held privately on November 8 at the National Teams Center. The second is scheduled for November 10 at the 'Yunusabad' Sports Complex, starting at 18:00. Entry to the matches will be free.
