If you enter Brooklyn’s Avenue U from Ocean Avenue, you might think the street name stands for more than just the letter "U." For the Uzbek community in New York, it almost feels like it represents the first letter of "Uzbekistan."
A string of Uzbek restaurants, grocery stores, and businesses catering to the diaspora line the avenue. One evening, I visited Sherdor, a well-known Uzbek restaurant, with my Tunisian friend to introduce him to the flavors, language, and culture of Uzbekistan. As we left, I spotted an acquaintance at a nearby table, exchanged greetings, and then found myself shaking hands with six more people—people who didn’t know me, but whom I recognized instantly. I had seen them on television.
They were Uzbek athletes—weightlifters, boxers, judokas, and champions in various sports. My friend jokingly asked, “Does everyone in Uzbekistan know each other?” I explained that these were elite athletes, some of the country’s most celebrated sports figures.
Uzbek athletes are increasingly making a name for themselves in the U.S., many having already achieved remarkable success on the international stage before choosing to continue their careers abroad. One of them is Farkhodbek Sobirov, a world champion in weightlifting. Through his story, we explore the reasons behind his move, what Uzbek athletes are doing in the U.S., and how the American sports industry supports their ambitions.
Who is Farkhodbek Sobirov?
Born on September 10, 1997, in Khiva, Farkhodbek Sobirov displayed a deep passion for sports from an early age. His journey into weightlifting wasn’t accidental—he was inspired by a family member who practiced the sport.
“Sports have always been valued in my family. I saw firsthand how my relative trained, the struggles he overcame, and the discipline he maintained. That’s when I decided to try weightlifting myself. From the very first training session, I knew this was my calling,” he recalls.
His first gym lacked proper facilities, yet despite the challenges, he began showing promising results at just 12 years old. Recognizing his potential, his coaches started giving him specialized training, and soon, he was on the path to greatness.
A Streak of Success
Farkhodbek’s first major breakthrough came in 2014 at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, where he competed in the 85 kg weight category. With a combined total of 321 kg (147 kg in the snatch and 174 kg in the clean & jerk), he secured a silver medal, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.
Just two years later, in 2016, at the Junior World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, he delivered an outstanding performance—lifting 170 kg in the snatch and 203 kg in the clean & jerk, claiming the gold medal and establishing himself as one of the rising stars in weightlifting.
“At that moment, I realized I had the potential to compete for the highest honors. Before that, I was just training, following my coach’s instructions. But in Tbilisi, I gained confidence in my abilities,” he says.
His meteoric rise continued in 2017, when he competed at the Junior World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. At 19 years old, he delivered one of the best performances in Uzbekistan’s weightlifting history, lifting a combined 390 kg in the 94 kg category—an achievement that even surpassed some Olympic records.
Notably, his performance outshone that of Kendrick Farris, a three-time U.S. Olympian who had lifted 160 kg in the snatch at the 2016 Rio Olympics. This comparison made waves in the international weightlifting community, solidifying Farkhodbek’s status as a future contender for senior world titles.
"The Uzbek Kendrick Farris" – A Rising Star in the International Scene
What stood out was that Farkhodbek had lifted more than Kendrick Farris, the American champion from the Rio 2016 Olympics, where Farris had recorded a 197 kg clean & jerk and a total of 357 kg.
Despite his young age, Farkhodbek had lifted 33 kg more than an Olympic champion, sparking excitement in the weightlifting world. Experts began considering him a serious contender for major senior championships.
His remarkable feat did not go unnoticed. International sports media started highlighting his rapid progress. The American sports portal "The Barbell Spin" published an article titled: "19-Year Old Farkhodbek Sobirov Lifts More Than Olympian Kendrick Farris"
His success also attracted interest from various weightlifting clubs and organizations. Offers from international teams began pouring in, prompting him to make a life-changing decision—to move to the U.S. and pursue greater opportunities.
Why the United States?
After his stellar performances on the world stage, Farkhodbek made a surprising decision: he relocated to the United States. Many were puzzled by his move—after all, he had strong government support, national recognition, and a promising career in Uzbekistan. What more could an athlete ask for?
Farkhodbek explains his reasoning:
“I saw immense opportunities here to further my career, contribute to the field of weightlifting, and popularize the sport on a global scale. I believe Uzbekistan has a unique weightlifting tradition, and the U.S. provides the perfect platform to showcase and expand it worldwide.”
The U.S. sports industry offers world-class training facilities, higher financial rewards, and extensive resources for athletes. Beyond competing, sports professionals in the U.S. have the chance to mentor the next generation while securing financial stability for themselves.
“In Uzbekistan, sports are driven by passion and dedication. In the U.S., you can pursue your passion while also ensuring financial security. That’s a major factor, especially when thinking about the future.”
Future Plans
Farkhodbek is not only focused on advancing his own career but also on promoting weightlifting among young athletes. He is currently in negotiations to sign with one of the leading training centers in the U.S., where he will both train and coach aspiring weightlifters.
Additionally, he is in talks with several sports organizations to establish long-term collaborations aimed at developing new training programs. One of his most ambitious goals is to open his own weightlifting academy, where he hopes to train the champions of tomorrow.
“I want my legacy to extend beyond my personal victories. I want to be remembered for my contributions to the sport and for inspiring future generations. I hope that the young athletes who step into my gym will always remember—if you work hard and stay dedicated, success is inevitable.”
Farkhodbek firmly believes that his knowledge and experience can shape the next generation of elite weightlifters. His U.S. contract not only allows him to compete at the highest level but also gives him the opportunity to mentor talented athletes, ensuring a lasting impact on the sport.
By Saidaziz Azamov
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