Uzbekistan U17 team players each receive new car after Asian Cup victory

Uzbekistan U17 players were each awarded a Chevrolet Cobalt after winning the U17 Asian Cup. Photo by Instagram/@uzbekistanfa

The team returned home to a warm welcome at Tashkent International Airport on April 21, following their flawless campaign in Saudi Arabia.

Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov personally greeted head coach Islombek Ismoilov and the players. During the ceremony, Aripov read a congratulatory letter from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and presented a decree recognizing the team's achievement.

Coach Ismoilov was awarded the title of "Honored Coach of Uzbekistan" for his role in advancing youth football in the country. Each player received the "Creator of the Future" medal, one of Uzbekistan's highest honors in sports, Gezata UZ reported.

In addition to the medals, each team member was awarded a Chevrolet car. Coach Ismoilov received a Chevrolet Equinox, while each player was given a Chevrolet Cobalt. As the players are still underage of driving, the cars were formally presented to their parents.

"Our country has always been a land of heroes and brave people. The players once again proved that on the pitch. I thank the boys for completing this seemingly impossible task," Ismoilov told the press.

Uzbekistan cruised through the tournament undefeated, winning all six matches in dominant fashion. In the group stage, they beat Thailand 4-1, China 2-1 and hosts Saudi Arabia 3-0. The Central Asian team then overcame the UAE 3-1 in the quarterfinals, crushed North Korea 3-0 in the semifinals and ended their campaign with a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the final.

Vietnam ended their run in the group stage, despite earning a shocking 1-1 draw against Japan.

With the trophy, Uzbekistan secured a spot at the 2025 U17 World Cup, set to take place this November in Qatar.