The commander of the National Guard, the chairman of the hand-to-hand combat federation of the republic R. Jurayev, the head of the regional administration of the

Security Service of the State, the chairman of the regional hand-to-hand combat federation A. Ahmedov took part at the opening ceremony of the hand-to-hand combat sports championship between boys and girls aged 14-17. At the championship, 841 teenage boys and girls from the Republic of Karakalpakistan, Tashkent and all regions are competing in 35 weight categories.

- This competition serves to form the national team of the country, - says J. Mavlonov, the chief secretary of the jury of the competition. - Athletes who successfully participated in the competition will be selected for the national team and prepared for the world championship held in Tula, Russian Federation at the end of the year. In the end, the strongest, the athletes who adequately defend the honor of our country on the international stage, will get a place in the national team.

The competition is going to last until March 12.