To the members of the Uzbekistan sports delegation—participants in the 20th Summer Asian Games in Japan
Uzbekistan
Distinguished athletes and coaches! Dear friends! I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your successful participation in the 20th Summer Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and on achieving truly historic results. You have returned to your homeland with brilliant victories, holding our country’s flag high!
During these prestigious competitions, which involved approximately 11,000 athletes from 45 Asian nations, you demonstrated true mastery, courage, and resilience, writing another glorious chapter in the history of our national sports.
By winning 21 gold, 25 silver, and 24 bronze medals, our national team secured fifth place—ranking behind only China, Japan, South Korea, and India. This achievement stands as a testament to the sporting potential of New Uzbekistan and demonstrates the great feats of which our brave, determined youth are capable. It is a source of immense pride for all of us and for our entire multi-ethnic nation.
It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan ranked first among Central Asian nations and member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the Games. Early in the 20th Asian Games, Uzbekistan secured its first-ever historic gold medals: Abdulvakhob Rashidov triumphed in men's karate, Shokhsanam Sherzodova won the women's single canoe event, and Utkirbek Juraev excelled in artistic gymnastics—successes that inspired other members of our national team to reach new heights. With unyielding determination and energy, track and field athlete Sukhrob Khodjaev became the first Uzbek athlete to win Asian Games gold in the hammer throw, while Barnokhon Sayfullaeva not only won the gold medal in the high jump with a result of 1.90 meters but also set a new personal best.
It is heartening to see our young athletes confidently making their mark in elite sports. Track and field athlete Sharifa Davronova and boxer Abdumalik Khalakov earned the distinction of being two-time champions, while Tahmina Ikromova—having proven her continental dominance in rhythmic gymnastics—secured the title of three-time Asian Games champion.
The rowing duo of Shakhzoda Nurmatova and Sobir Safaraliev, fresh from their gold-medal victory at the recent World Rowing Championships, maintained their winning form amidst the fierce competition of the Asian Games.
One of the competition's most brilliant highlights was when our courageous athletes set new Asian and world records, etching their names in golden letters in the history of sport. Notably, our legendary weightlifter Akbar Djuraev set both world and Asian records with a lift of 197 kilograms. In a highly intense contest, our powerhouse athlete set an Asian Games record—an unforgettable moment for millions of fans.
In the shooting events, Vladimir Svechnikov secured Uzbekistan’s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in the sport while simultaneously setting a new Asian Games record. This is a truly historic achievement of which we are rightfully proud. The talented judoka Muzaffarbek Turoboev demonstrated remarkable resilience and made history as the first Asian Games champion to triumph in two weight categories; he defeated South Korea’s Kim Moon-jong—a Paris 2024 Olympic medalist—in the quarterfinals, and overcame Japan’s Hyoga Ota—representing the birthplace of judo—in the final.
Competing against athletes from 32 nations, Uzbek judokas secured two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, finishing second in the overall team standings behind Japan—an achievement that ranks among our most significant and impressive results in the sport.
Athletes competing in Uzbek *kurash*—a discipline with a three-thousand-year history—also lived up to the nation's expectations. Four of the six available gold medals were claimed by Akhror Ziyodullaev, Shokhrukhkhon Bakhtiyorov, Ibodatkhon Agozhonova, and Pokizakhon Kamoldinova, and we hold them in high admiration.
Long live our valiant athletes, who are forging a history of victory and honing their mastery!
Dear friends!
For nearly a month, we felt with all our hearts how every achievement and every thrilling moment of the Asian Games created a special celebration—a time of joy and delight.
Naturally, the outstanding results achieved by our athletes at these competitions—which serve as the Olympic Games of the vast Asian continent—did not happen by chance. They are rooted in sweeping reforms to develop physical education and sports in our country, the favorable conditions being created, and the support provided to young talent.
I take this opportunity to express, on behalf of our people and myself, sincere gratitude to all the athletes who gifted us unforgettable victories; to their parents; to the dedicated mentors and coaches whose valuable guidance contributed significantly to this success; and to the countless fans who steadfastly support our athletes.
Through your victories at the Asian Games, you have demonstrated to the entire world that the Olympic movement in New Uzbekistan has reached a new level and that a new "golden generation" of Olympians has emerged in our country.
I am confident that the outstanding results achieved on Japanese soil and the experience gained will serve as a solid foundation for a successful showing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
My dear friends, you will undoubtedly compete in these—the world's most prestigious games—after completing your training! And many more brilliant victories surely lie ahead on your path!
May success always accompany you as you write the glorious sporting chronicle of New Uzbekistan!
Shavkat Mirziyoyev,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
By winning 21 gold, 25 silver, and 24 bronze medals, our national team secured fifth place—ranking behind only China, Japan, South Korea, and India. This achievement stands as a testament to the sporting potential of New Uzbekistan and demonstrates the great feats of which our brave, determined youth are capable. It is a source of immense pride for all of us and for our entire multi-ethnic nation.
It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan ranked first among Central Asian nations and member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the Games. Early in the 20th Asian Games, Uzbekistan secured its first-ever historic gold medals: Abdulvakhob Rashidov triumphed in men's karate, Shokhsanam Sherzodova won the women's single canoe event, and Utkirbek Juraev excelled in artistic gymnastics—successes that inspired other members of our national team to reach new heights. With unyielding determination and energy, track and field athlete Sukhrob Khodjaev became the first Uzbek athlete to win Asian Games gold in the hammer throw, while Barnokhon Sayfullaeva not only won the gold medal in the high jump with a result of 1.90 meters but also set a new personal best.
It is heartening to see our young athletes confidently making their mark in elite sports. Track and field athlete Sharifa Davronova and boxer Abdumalik Khalakov earned the distinction of being two-time champions, while Tahmina Ikromova—having proven her continental dominance in rhythmic gymnastics—secured the title of three-time Asian Games champion.
The rowing duo of Shakhzoda Nurmatova and Sobir Safaraliev, fresh from their gold-medal victory at the recent World Rowing Championships, maintained their winning form amidst the fierce competition of the Asian Games.
One of the competition's most brilliant highlights was when our courageous athletes set new Asian and world records, etching their names in golden letters in the history of sport. Notably, our legendary weightlifter Akbar Djuraev set both world and Asian records with a lift of 197 kilograms. In a highly intense contest, our powerhouse athlete set an Asian Games record—an unforgettable moment for millions of fans.
In the shooting events, Vladimir Svechnikov secured Uzbekistan’s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in the sport while simultaneously setting a new Asian Games record. This is a truly historic achievement of which we are rightfully proud. The talented judoka Muzaffarbek Turoboev demonstrated remarkable resilience and made history as the first Asian Games champion to triumph in two weight categories; he defeated South Korea’s Kim Moon-jong—a Paris 2024 Olympic medalist—in the quarterfinals, and overcame Japan’s Hyoga Ota—representing the birthplace of judo—in the final.
Competing against athletes from 32 nations, Uzbek judokas secured two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, finishing second in the overall team standings behind Japan—an achievement that ranks among our most significant and impressive results in the sport.
Athletes competing in Uzbek *kurash*—a discipline with a three-thousand-year history—also lived up to the nation's expectations. Four of the six available gold medals were claimed by Akhror Ziyodullaev, Shokhrukhkhon Bakhtiyorov, Ibodatkhon Agozhonova, and Pokizakhon Kamoldinova, and we hold them in high admiration.
Long live our valiant athletes, who are forging a history of victory and honing their mastery!
Dear friends!
For nearly a month, we felt with all our hearts how every achievement and every thrilling moment of the Asian Games created a special celebration—a time of joy and delight.
Naturally, the outstanding results achieved by our athletes at these competitions—which serve as the Olympic Games of the vast Asian continent—did not happen by chance. They are rooted in sweeping reforms to develop physical education and sports in our country, the favorable conditions being created, and the support provided to young talent.
I take this opportunity to express, on behalf of our people and myself, sincere gratitude to all the athletes who gifted us unforgettable victories; to their parents; to the dedicated mentors and coaches whose valuable guidance contributed significantly to this success; and to the countless fans who steadfastly support our athletes.
Through your victories at the Asian Games, you have demonstrated to the entire world that the Olympic movement in New Uzbekistan has reached a new level and that a new "golden generation" of Olympians has emerged in our country.
I am confident that the outstanding results achieved on Japanese soil and the experience gained will serve as a solid foundation for a successful showing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
My dear friends, you will undoubtedly compete in these—the world's most prestigious games—after completing your training! And many more brilliant victories surely lie ahead on your path!
May success always accompany you as you write the glorious sporting chronicle of New Uzbekistan!
Shavkat Mirziyoyev,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
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