Mukhamdali Karimov (pictured), the secretary general of the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee, has died at the age of 66, it has been announced.
Karimov was also a member of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Technical and Rules Commission.
"The loss of Mr Karimov is painful for all the sports society of Uzbekistan and for everyone who has ever known him. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We all miss him dearly," said a statement from the Uzbekistan NOC.
The Uzbekistan NOC described him as a bright, passionate and enthusiastic sports leader, a true friend of every athlete and someone who had made a big contribution to all aspects of sports development in Uzbekistan.
"He played an important role in setting up the fundamentals of the Olympic Movement and an independent boxing school in Uzbekistan," added the statement.
"He was warmly regarded by colleagues, athletes and sports officials."
AIBA President CK Wu was among those who paid tribute to Karimov.
"In my capacity as President of AIBA, and on behalf of the entire boxing family, I would like to express my most heartfelt condolences and my deepest sympathy at the passing of one of our most esteemed colleagues and friends, Mukhamadali Karimov," said Wu.
"I share your sadness in these painful moments and would like to send to his family, the Boxing Federation of Uzbekistan and also the Uzbek National Olympic Committee, AIBA's affectionate support.
"We all know that his passing will leave a void in the hearts of all those who knew him, within the boxing family and the sports movement in both Uzbekistan and the whole of Asia.
"May he rest in peace."
By Tom Degun
Source: www.insidethegames.biz