The Uzbekistan national athletic delegation was accorded a celebratory welcome at Tashkent International Airport upon returning from the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Arriving on a dedicated charter flight, the athletes were greeted by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, top sports officials, Tashkent municipal representatives, and hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. The head of government commended the competitors on their remarkable international success and formally delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Across weeks of rigorous competition, Uzbek athletes captured a total of 70 medals — comprising 21 gold, 25 silver, and 24 bronze. The nation was represented by 396 competitors across 42 sports disciplines, culminating in a prestigious fifth-place finish in the overall medal table. This outcome marked the third consecutive Asian Games in which Uzbekistan secured a top-five standing, while also cementing its position as the premier sporting nation within Central Asia and among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Combat sports once again proved to be the cornerstone of Uzbekistan's international athletic strength. The wrestling squad secured four gold and two bronze medals, while the men's boxing squad dominated the field to finish first overall in team rankings. In judo and taekwondo disciplines, Uzbek martial artists conceded the top spots exclusively to competitors representing the host nation, Japan.
The tournament also showcased a dynamic new generation of athletic talent poised to lead the country on the world stage. Among the standout performers was boxer Turabek Khabibullaev, who clinched gold in the men’s 90-kilogram weight division. Several other rising competitors also earned critical acclaim for their podium finishes, including Shoxsanam Sherzodova, Utkirbek Djuraev, Sita Kadamboeva, Barnokhon Sayfullaeva, Sharifa Davronova, Aytjan Khalmakhanov, Jasurbek Jaysunov, Shakhzoda Nurmatova, and Sobir Safaraliev.
Following the conclusion of their triumphant campaign in Japan, the athletes now transition into intensive preparation for upcoming international competitions, setting their sights on the 2028 Summer Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Los Angeles.
Source: podrobno.uz