Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the opening ceremony of the second Presidential Olympic Games in Uzbekistan, congratulating young athletes, coaches and everyone dedicated to sport on the start of the competition.
More than 3,500 young athletes from across the country will compete this year in 26 Olympic and Paralympic sports. They are accompanied by 1,500 coaches.
“Each of you has come to this arena with a dream, a goal and, most importantly, a strong belief in victory,” the president told the young athletes.
He expressed confidence that the competition would help develop future champions and record-breakers capable of surprising the world.
Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan had built an integrated sports development system in recent years, covering grassroots and professional sport, the selection of talented athletes and preparation for international competitions.
“At the heart of all this work is our desire to raise children who are healthy, strong-willed and independent in their thinking,” he said.
Over the past decade, Uzbek athletes have won 5,518 medals at major international competitions, including 1,675 gold medals — three times the number recorded in the previous decade. Female athletes accounted for one-third of the total.
A notable achievement in Uzbek chess was the men’s national team’s recent victory at the World Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand. The team won the title for the second time.
At the 20th Summer Asian Games in Japan, Uzbekistan’s team won 70 medals — 21 gold, 25 silver and 24 bronze — finishing fifth in the overall standings.
Weightlifter Akbar Djuraev set a world record in the clean and jerk by lifting 197 kg. Boxer Abdumalik Khalokov and track-and-field athlete Sharifa Davronova became two-time champions, while gymnast Takhmina Ikromova claimed her third championship title.
Judoka Muzaffar Turaboyev defeated an athlete from the host country in the final to win gold. O‘tkir Djuraev secured Uzbekistan’s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in the gymnastics vault.
The president said these achievements strengthened confidence that any goal could be reached.
“Today, I would like to pay special tribute to the resilience and courage of our young para-athletes,” Mirziyoyev said.
At the recently concluded Asian Para Games, Uzbekistan won 145 medals — 45 gold, 49 silver and 51 bronze — and finished third in the overall standings.
Powerlifter Roza Kuziyeva set a world record alongside winning gold. Lolakhon Kodirova broke the Asian record in swimming, while Madina Mukhtorova and Karomat Omonova set records in the shot put. Shahina Yigitaliyeva broke the record in the javelin throw, and Navruza Ahmadova did so in the discus.
Yegor Bolotov won four gold medals, while Khurshid Kodirov claimed three. Asila Mirzayarova broke the Asian Para Games record in the long jump, reaffirming her dominance in Asia for the second time.
Mirzayarova was also elected to the Asian Paralympic Committee’s Athletes’ Committee for 2026–2030. The president cited her election as an example of international recognition for Uzbek sport.
Mirziyoyev said Ichiro Hirosawa, mayor of Nagoya, the host city of the competitions, had particularly praised Uzbek athletes for their fair play, respect for opponents, conduct outside the arena and exemplary discipline. According to the president, this assessment showed that qualities associated with the Uzbek people were also recognised internationally.
The president also thanked parents who believe in their children’s dreams and consistently support them.
“New Uzbekistan is becoming an international sports hub hosting prestigious world-class competitions,” he said.
Around 20 major world- and Asian-level sporting events have been held in the country over the past four years. In September–October next year, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will jointly host the FIFA Under-20 World Cup for the first time.
Mirziyoyev stressed that hosting such competitions was both a great honour and a major responsibility. They give young athletes the opportunity to compete against the world’s strongest opponents and set even more ambitious goals.
Addressing the young competitors, he said champions were made through strong will and iron discipline. He added that this was the essence of the “O‘z” idea being promoted.
“Believe in yourself! Work on yourself! Be worthy of your Motherland!” the president urged.
He noted that when Uzbekistan’s flag is raised and the national anthem played at international competitions, the entire nation feels proud of its athletes.
To provide further support for young people, cash prizes for winners and medallists at the Presidential Olympics will increase 2.5-fold from next year. First place will receive 25 million soums, second place 12 million soums and third place 6 million soums.
School graduates who win the Olympics and set a national record will also be eligible to enter university sports programmes without entrance examinations, receiving state-funded grants.
The number of sports included in the Presidential Olympics programme will increase to 35. The eligible age group will also expand, with competitions held for school students aged 14 to 17.
Each year, 50 Olympic winners will be sent to international training camps abroad. Starting next year, winners will also receive scholarships for one year. The sports school achieving the best result in its discipline will be provided with the necessary equipment.
The Olympic Glory Museum in the capital will be relocated to the Olympic City. This will allow young athletes to learn more about the history and achievements of Uzbek champions and draw inspiration for future victories.
The president urged young people to turn the opportunities available to them into tangible achievements through continuous self-improvement, strict discipline and knowledge.
“Be worthy opponents on the sports field and good friends in life,” he said.
Mirziyoyev then declared the 2026 Presidential Olympics open.
“Go, New Uzbekistan! Go, youth of Uzbekistan! Go, Uzbek people!” he said at the end of his address.