Tashkent, Uzbekistan, November 6, 2022: It has been a sweet homecoming of sorts for Vadim Akhmadiev, the swimming referee instructor at the OCA Stage 2 Development Programme in Tashkent.
After handing out certificates to the 21 technical officials on Sunday, November 6, FINA referee Vadim revealed the trip to the Uzbek capital had been both work and pleasure for him.
“I was born in Tashkent and left when I was 15. It is remarkable to see the changes in this city, for one thing there are no trams and trolleys,” smiled the Russian swimming official.
Based in Abu Dhabi, Vadim gladly accepted the task by FINA to oversee the swimming assignment in Tashkent. It was a first for him.
“In the past, I have gone to countries in the region like Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkmenistan to carry out development programmes like this. But those were for one dedicated national federation. Here we have had 12 NOCs from Central and South Asia sending their swimming officials.
“It has been an amazing experience, a different experience. Some of these nations have a good swimming set-up but the majority are only beginning. In this short time, I hope I have been able to impart the professionalism needed in officiating events,” Vadim noted.
Judging by the warm handshakes and smiles all the referees had for their tutor, it most definitely looked like Vadim had struck a chord with them.
“I hope this seminar will be useful to you in the future,” was the hope voiced by Uzbekistan NOC Secretary General Oybek Kasimov who also participated in the certificate ceremony.
Mohammed Abdul Hamid, one of two Bangladeshi referees, was thankful for the “knowledgeable Russian” and praised the OCA for creating a platform for the information transfer.
“We have all been updated on the latest technologies in the sport, new rules and technicalities. Our instructor was fabulous,” Hamid said.
Coming back home must have felt good for Vadim.
