President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed congratulations to the country's sports delegation on the achievements at the XX Summer Asian Games held in Japan. In his address, he characterized the team's performance as historic, noting that the achieved successes indicate the advancement of Uzbekistan's Olympic movement to a new level.
The country's leader emphasized that Uzbekistan has taken leading positions among Central Asian states and members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. A number of significant achievements by Uzbek athletes were listed.
Achievements of individual athletes
In particular, Abdulwahob Rashidov won Uzbekistan's first gold medal at the Asian Games in men's karate. Shokhsan Sherzodova won the individual canoe rowing competition, and Utkirbek Jurayev became champion in artistic gymnastics.
Sukhrob Khodjayev brought gold to the country for the first time in hammer throw. Barnokhon Saifullaeva renewed her personal record by winning the high jump with a result of 1.90 meters. Among young athletes, Sharifu Davronova and Abdumalik Khallakov were specially noted for becoming two-time Asian Games champions, as well as Takhmina Ikromova, who won her third title in rhythmic gymnastics.
Akbar Jurayev set world and Asian records in weightlifting, lifting 197 kilograms. Vladimir Svechnikov brought Uzbekistan its first Asian Games gold in shooting and simultaneously broke the competition record.
Muzaffarbek Turaboyev became the first Asian Games champion to win gold in two weight categories. In the team judo standings, Uzbek athletes took second place after Japan, collecting two golds, two silvers, and three bronzes. In Kurash competitions, representatives of Uzbekistan won four out of six gold medals; the champions were Akhror Ziyodullaev, Shokhrukhon Bakhtiyorov, Ibodatkhon Agojonova, and Pokizakhon Kamoldinova.
Mirziyoyev also stated that the results achieved at the Asian Games should serve as a foundation for preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He called on Uzbek athletes to continue training and strive for new victories in upcoming competitions.
Overall, the Uzbekistan national team won 21 gold, 25 silver, and 24 bronze medals, taking fifth place in the overall standings after China, Japan, South Korea, and India.