HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

Studying abroad is a life-changing journey, and a university can be crossroads of cultures, friendships, and self-development.  Through the eyes of our current International students, we try to explore some very unique perspectives to choice of country of study, student support services, academic excellence, career opportunities.

Tempered Like a Fencing Foil

• Man's dearest possession is life, and since it is given to him but once, he must live it so as to feel no torturing regrets for wasted years…

                                                                                            How the Steel Was Tempered

                                                                                                                Nikolai Ostrovsky

Steel is not firm until it is tempered by fire – the truth that can be applied to the human spirit, too, which is shaped through hardship and perseverance. A fencing foil, a weapon made of tempered steel, does not break under pressure – it bends, adapts, and strikes with precision. The journey of Ulugbek Usmanov, a bronze medalist and a CIFS student, has been the same – shaped by challenges and defined by resilience.  

Winning Uzbekistan’s inaugural individual bronze medal at the FIE (International Fencing Federation) Junior Foil World Cup in Tashkent 2025 is not only about competing on the fencing piste but also the result of years of commitment, sacrifice and balance between sporting and academic pursuits.

Ostrovsky teaches us that true strength is not just in the body but in the soul. Fencing is not merely a sport, it is a battle of will, where hesitation can bring you defeat, and resilience – a victory. Standing on a 14-meter-long and 2-meter-wide battle stage with a rival requires a fencer's precision and strategy – qualities that can shape not only the athletic journey but also academic pursuits.

Winning a bronze medal was a defining moment for Ulugbek, not just because of the achievement itself but because of the discipline it took to get him there. ‘Every training session, every setback taught me the importance of resilience and strategic thinking.’, Ulugbek shares.

‘My journey began at the age of nine, inspired by my grandfather, a fencer himself. His passion became my foundation, and I carried forward his legacy. No victory is won in the arena alone. It is the ultimate result of countless unseen battles before the real fight begins. Thanks to our federation, our respected President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the unwavering support of my coaches, we had access to world-class training camps, top-tier equipment, and an environment that nurtured excellence. Individual lessons with my coaches helped me to prepare for one of the most important tournaments in my life.’

At WIUT, education and sport did not clash—they complement each other. A flexible schedule permitted Ulugbek to conduct both his studies and training without being absent from lessons. Having access to a sports hall and a gym at the campus guaranteed he was always in prime physical shape, demonstrating that not just talent leads to success but also readiness.

‘Fencing demands not just skill but split-second decision-making. The competition was not an easy one. I faced strong opponents from Singapore, Belarus, Italy, and Slovakia. The quarterfinals were a turning point. Defeating a strong Italian opponent increased my confidence, but the ultimate duel in the semi-finals was decisive. A 15-14 loss—a touch for gold and bronze in the balance. But in fencing, as in life, losses are only lessons, stepping-stones to future wins.

‘My aspirations extend beyond my personal achievement. I want to contribute to making history by bringing about a new era in Uzbekistan fencing, hoping to inspire and instruct the next generation, motivate young athletes, and demonstrate that through dedication, passion, and perseverance, any challenge can be overcome.

I believe that the bronze medal is the only foundation for something greater. My next goal is the Asian Championship in Kuwait - another milestone I must overcome. Beyond that, my vision is clear—the Olympic Games.’

Achieving success in sports, like in academics, is not about talent only—it is about discipline, resilience, and the right environment to grow. A university that truly fosters sports talent does more than provide education; it builds champions on and off the field, transforming individuals who thrive in both their academic and athletic pursuits.

WIUT’s commitment to fostering sports talent is not just about providing facilities. It’s about creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive. Whether it’s access to top-tier training programmes, opportunities to compete internationally, or simply the encouragement to keep going, WIUT ensures that its athletes are not just participating but have qualified positions of leadership. After all, the most precious thing in life is to live with purpose, to never break under hardship, and to remain unyielding like tempered steel.