President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Honors Paralympic Champions

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, chaired a special meeting on September 13 to honor the country’s athletes who achieved remarkable success at the 17th Summer Paralympic Games held in Paris from August 28 to September 8. The event was attended by members of the National Paralympic Committee, sports federations, coaches, parents, and various state and public representatives.

Uzbekistan’s Paralympic team, comprised of 65 athletes competing in 9 sports, won 26 medals, including 10 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze, placing 13th in the overall standings, 3rd in Asia, and 1st among Turkic, Islamic countries, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

President Mirziyoyev congratulated the athletes on behalf of the people of Uzbekistan, highlighting their exceptional perseverance and resilience. He praised the Paralympic Games as a showcase of willpower, courage, and humanity, marking the nation’s best-ever performance at the Games.

Among the standout performers, Khusniddin Norbekov was celebrated for becoming a three-time Paralympic champion, winning gold in the shot put. Other athletes recognized for their accomplishments included Bobirjon Omonov, Sherzod Namozov, and Tolibboy Yuldashev, who collectively contributed to Uzbekistan’s impressive medal tally. Female athletes also excelled, with Asila Mirzayorova and Nurkhon Qurbanova setting new records in their respective events.

During the ceremony, the President expressed his deep gratitude to the athletes’ parents, coaches, and support teams, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the athletes’ success. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities and promoting inclusive sports opportunities.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the President outlined plans to expand participation in sports for people with disabilities, improve training, and develop support systems, including sports medicine, psychology, and dietetics.

In recognition of their achievements, a group of athletes and coaches were awarded honorary titles, orders, and medals in a ceremonial presentation, further solidifying Uzbekistan’s place as a rising power in the Paralympic world.