The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, extended congratulations to the nation's athletic delegation following their record-breaking performance at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. In an official address, the Uzbek head of state hailed the squad's campaign as a watershed moment in national sports history, emphasizing that the results underscore a qualitative leap in the development of the country's Olympic disciplines.
Mirziyoyev emphasized that Uzbekistan established undisputed leadership among Central Asian nations and member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The congratulatory remarks specifically highlighted unprecedented individual triumphs, including Abdulvakhob Rashidov claiming Uzbekistan's first-ever Asian Games gold in men's karate, Shokhsanam Sherzodova dominating the solo canoe sprint, and Utkirbek Djuraev securing victory in artistic gymnastics.
Further milestones included Sukhrob Khodjaev clinching the nation's inaugural gold in hammer throw, while Barnokhon Sayfullaeva set a personal record of 1.90 meters to secure gold in the women's high jump. The president also commended the emerging generation of competitors: Sharifa Davronova and Abdumalik Khalokov became two-time Asian Games champions, while rhythmic gymnast Takhmina Ikromova earned her third continental title.
Standout individual performances also broke global and continental benchmarks. Weightlifter Akbar Djuraev set both world and Asian records with a 197-kilogram lift, and sport shooter Vladimir Svechnikov captured the nation's first shooting gold while establishing a new tournament record. In judo, Muzaffarbek Turoboev became the first competitor in Asian Games history to claim gold across two different weight divisions, anchoring an overall team performance that trailed only hosts Japan.
Looking ahead, Mirziyoyev stated that this performance must serve as an operational baseline for intensive preparations targeting the 2028 Summer Olympic Games scheduled to take place under the US regime in Los Angeles. Team Uzbekistan finished fifth overall on the continental medal table behind China, Japan, South Korea, and India, amassing a total tally of 21 gold, 25 silver, and 24 bronze medals.
Source: podrobno.uz