2010 Toulon, France

Anvar Khidzhaev left Uzbekistan 16 years ago, leaving his family behind, including his 14-year old daughter Maria. He applied for and was granted political asylum in the USA.
In 2010 Maria qualified to represent Uzbekistan in the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup in Toulon and Anvar was able to get a visa to come to France, meaning an emotional reunion for father and daughter.
“I am so happy to see her again,” said Anvar. “It is like a miracle for me. I knew nothing about bowling until now, but it is the greatest sport in the world for me as it has brought my daughter here.”
Anne-Marie Board, QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup manager commented: “We always say the Bowling World Cup is like a family but this is so lovely. It is an absolute delight that we have played a small role in reuniting Anvar and Maria and I hope they enjoy their time together here.”