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 is known, the competitions were held from August 28 to September 8 in Paris. About 4.4 thousand Paralympians from 168 countries participated in them. From Uzbekistan, 65 para-athletes competed in 9 sports.
Like the Olympics, the Paralympic Games were successful for Uzbekistan. The country’s athletes set many records, winning 10 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze – a total of 26 medals. They took 13th place in the team standings, 3rd in Asia, and 1st among Turkic, Islamic countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
On behalf of the people, the President congratulated the sports community on the results achieved.
“The Paralympic Games demonstrate will, courage and fortitude, kindness and humanism. You have conquered high levels and become the true hero of the competition. There have been many victories in Uzbekistan’s sports history. But such record-breaking achievements for us at the Paralympic Games have never happened”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
After the previous Paralympics in Japan, the goal was to enter the top fifteen strongest countries in the world next time. Significant preparatory work has been carried out over the past years to achieve this goal. In accordance with the principle of a social state, athletes with disabilities were provided with all the necessary conditions. As a result, Uzbekistan exceeded the set goal, taking 13th place in the world ranking.
Khusniddin Norbekov showed a particularly bright performance, becoming a three-time Paralympic champion and winning a gold medal in the shot put. Our other athletes also achieved significant success: shot putter Bobirjon Omonov and judoka Sherzod Namozov climbed to the podium’s top step for the second time. Discus throw master Tolibboy Yuldashev won two awards, receiving a gold and bronze medal, and two-time Paralympic champion Yorqinbek Odilov set an Asian record in javelin throw. Victories in their disciplines were also won by Asadbek Toshtemirov in taekwondo, Qudratullakhon Marufkhodjayev, and Elbek Sultonov in the shot put.
The performance of sportswomen, who won 11 medals at the current Games, deserves special attention. Asila Mirzayorova became the Paralympic champion in the long jump, and Nurkhon Qurbonova in the javelin throw, setting both Games and world records. Fifteen-year-old Shakhinakhon Yigitaliyeva, having won a silver medal, went down in history as the youngest Paralympic medalist, and Ruza Kuziyeva took second place in powerlifting.
Uzbekistan’s taekwondo team won three medals at the Paralympic Games for the first time and took third place in the overall team standings. Representatives of Uzbekistan in athletics won eight gold medals for the first time, which is 80 percent of the gold medals.
The Head of state named the winners, noting their resilience and diligence. The President supported those who lacked luck this time and wished them success in the future.
“Your bright, outstanding sports victories have once again demonstrated immeasurable capabilities, power, and potential a person possesses, being a unique creation of the Almighty. Undoubtedly, unwavering will and courage decide many things in life. However, it is not an easy or simple task to raise and grow a worthy person, to fill his heart and soul with such will. I can well imagine what a long, difficult, and complicated path you, my dears, have overcome to climb to today’s podium. Along this path, you have encountered various trials and problems, doubts and mistrust, worries, and many sleepless nights you have spent. I also know that on the way to the goal you set for yourself, you had to work hard, overcome ten, even a hundred times more difficulties than others. In such difficult trials, selfless people were by your side, who instilled hope and confidence, determination and courage in your hearts, always supported and inspired you to win”, the President noted.
In this regard, the parents and relatives of athletes were also honored at the ceremony. The Head of state expressed gratitude to the coaches, psychologists, and specialists who worked to train the athletes.
“Today, we can say with complete confidence: New Uzbekistan has its own school of courage and glory. You are the true creators of this school. Of course, your achievements in sports and life will serve as a shining example for young people, a source of strength, energy and courage”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
The President noted that Uzbekistan continues to actively support people with disabilities and create inclusive sports conditions. The National Agency for Social Protection and the Association of Adaptive Sports are doing significant work in this direction.
The Head of state emphasized that in the future, special attention will be paid to expanding sports for people with disabilities and ensuring their social adaptation.
At the meeting, issues of preparation for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles were also discussed. Particular attention was paid to the need to develop a clear strategy to expand participation in sports disciplines, improve training, and achieve high results. It is planned to develop sports medicine, pharmacology, and dietetics and stimulate the activities of psychologists working with Paralympians.
In accordance with the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of 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. These awards were ceremonially presented at the event.
“You are unique individuals, striving only for victory, for the cherished goal, regardless of any life’s adversities and trials of fate. May your qualities always bring happiness and luck!” the President said.
Athletes, coaches, and parents expressed deep gratitude to the Head of state for the attention and support.
