13.09.2024

On September 13, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the winners and prizewinners of the 17th Paralympic Games.

The event was attended by the leadership of the National Paralympic Committee and sports federations, coaches, parents of athletes, and representatives of state and public organizations.

As it is known, the competition took place from August 28 to September 8 in the capital of France, Paris. About 4,4 thousand Paralympians from 168 countries participated in them. From Uzbekistan, 65 para-athletes were held in 9 sports.

The Paralympics, like the Olympics, have been a success for our country. Our compatriots set many records, winning 10 gold, 9 silver, 7 bronze - a total of 26 medals. They took 13th place in the overall ranking, 3rd place in Asia, and 1st among the Turkic and Islamic countries and in the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The President congratulated the sports community on behalf of the people.

- The Paralympics is a demonstration of will, courage, fortitude, kindness and humanity. You have crossed high frontiers and become the real heroes of competition. There are many victories in the sports history of Uzbekistan. But for us such record achievements at the Paralympics have never been, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Following the previous Paralympics in Japan, the goal was to be among the world’s 15 strongest countries again. Considerable preparatory work has been done over the years to achieve this goal. In accordance with the principle of social state, athletes with disabilities were provided with all necessary conditions. As a result, Uzbekistan exceeded the target, taking 13th place in the world ranking.

Khusnidin Norbekov was especially bright, becoming a three-time Paralympic champion, and winning the gold medal in shot put. Other athletes of our team have also achieved significant success: the shot putter Bobirjon Omonov and judoka Sherzod Namozov have been promoted to the top of the podium for the second time. The master of discus throwing, Tolibboy Yuldashev won two awards, winning gold and bronze medals, while two-time Paralympic champion Yorkinbek Odilov set an Asian record in lance throwing. The victories in their disciplines were also won by Asadbek Toshtemirov in taekwondo, Kudratullakhon Marufkhodjaev and Elbek Sultonov in shot put.

Special attention deserves the performance of our athletes who won 11 medals at the current Games. Asila Mirzayorova became the Paralympic champion in long jumps, and Nurhon Kurbonova - in throwing a spear, setting records both in the Games and the world. Fifteen-year-old Shahinahon Yigitalieva, winning the silver medal, entered history as the youngest Paralympic Games Champion, and Ruza Kuzieva took second place in powerlifting.

Our taekwondo team won three medals at the Paralympics for the first time and finished third in the overall team standings. Representatives of Uzbekistan in athletics have won eight gold medals for the first time, which is 80 percent of the highest prize.

The Head of state has noted the winners, noting their resilience and effort. The President expressed his support for those who had little luck this time and wished them success in the future.

- Your brilliant, outstanding sporting victories have once again demonstrated truly immeasurable the capabilities, power and potential of a human being, who is a unique creation of the Almighty.

Certainly, unwavering will and courage are the factor that determines many things in life. However, it is not an easy and simple task to educate and raise a worthy person and fill his heart and soul with such will.

I can well imagine the long, arduous and difficult journey you have made, my dear ones, to reach today’s podium. I know well that on this journey you have encountered various trials and problems, doubts and mistrust, emotional worries and experiences, and many sleepless nights. And I know that you have worked hard to achieve your goal, overcoming ten times, even a hundred times more difficulties than others.

In such difficult moments of trial, you were surrounded by courageous people who brought hope and confidence, determination and courage to your hearts, always supported you and inspired you to win, - said the President.

In this regard, the ceremony also honored parents and close athletes. The Head of State expressed gratitude to coaches, psychologists and specialists who have invested their efforts in the preparation of athletes.

- Today we can say with full confidence that the New Uzbekistan has its own school of courage, its school of glory. You are the real creators of this school. Certainly, your achievements in sports and life will serve as a bright example for young people, a source of strength, energy and courage, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The President noted that in Uzbekistan, active support for people with disabilities continues and inclusive conditions are being created for sports. The National Agency for Social Protection and the Adaptive Sports Association are doing a lot of work in this area.

The Head of State stressed that in the future special attention will be given to the expansion of sports for people with disabilities and their social adaptation in society.

The meeting also discussed preparations for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The need for a clear strategy to increase participation in sports, improve training and achieve high performance was emphasized. The development of sports medicine, pharmacology and dietetics, as well as the promotion of the activity of psychologists working with Paralympians is planned.

According to the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated September 12, a group of athletes and coaches who achieved high results at the 17th Summer Paralympic Games in Paris were awarded honorary titles, orders and medals. The ceremony was held to present these awards.

- You are unique individuals, striving only for victory, for a cherished goal, regardless of any life adversity and trials. May these qualities of yours always bring you happiness and good luck! - said the President.

Athletes, coaches and parents expressed deep gratitude to the Head of state for the attention and support.