SPORT DEVELOPMENT IN UZBEKISTAN: A REMARKABLE 145-MEDAL SUCCESS AT THE ASIAN PARA GAMES

Developing the Paralympic movement and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport are among Uzbekistan’s key policy priorities.

The legal framework includes Presidential Resolution No. RP-389 of 8 November 2024, “On Additional Measures to Improve the Physical Rehabilitation System by Involving People with Disabilities in Sports”. The resolution provides for free participation in sport activities at designated state-owned facilities for people with disabilities referred by “Inson” social services centres, as well as the training and professional development of adaptive sports specialists. It also recognises the establishment of the Uzbekistan Adaptive Sports Association and outlines measures relating to its activities.

Preparations for the 2028 Paralympic Games are governed by Presidential Resolution No. RP-221 of 8 July 2025, “On the Comprehensive Preparation of Uzbekistan’s Athletes for the XXXIV Summer Olympic Games and XVIII Paralympic Games to Be Held in Los Angeles (USA) in 2028”.

Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan’s performance at the fifth Asian Para Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026), held in Japan from 18 to 24 October, is particularly noteworthy. The Games brought together more than 2,600 Para athletes representing 45 National Paralympic Committees. Uzbekistan finished third in the medal table, behind China and hosts Japan, winning a total of 145 medals — 45 gold, 49 silver and 51 bronze.

Uzbekistan’s Para athletes also delivered a series of record-breaking performances. Ruza Kuzieva set a world record in Para powerlifting. In Para athletics, Madina Mukhtorova and Karomat Omonova set Asian records in the shot put, Shahinakhon Yigitalieva in the javelin throw, Navruza Akhmadova in the discus throw and Khurshid Kodirov in the 100m sprint.

In Para swimming, Yegor Bolotov set Asian records in the 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley, while 16-year-old Lolakhon Kodirova achieved the same feat in the 50m freestyle. A further 16 Uzbek athletes broke Asian Para Games records in Para cycling, Para powerlifting and Para athletics.

Making his Asian Para Games debut, Yegor Bolotov won four gold medals and one silver. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Boburbek Toshtemirov claimed Uzbekistan’s first-ever gold medal in track Para cycling at the Asian Para Games, becoming the youngest champion at the event.

In his congratulatory message to the athletes, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised their achievements, noting that they had written another remarkable chapter in Uzbekistan’s sporting history and raised the national flag high. He also emphasized that their achievements and the experience gained would provide a strong foundation for preparations for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The achievements of Uzbekistan’s Para athletes extend beyond sport. Their success can help shape public attitudes towards people with disabilities and inspire young people through examples of determination, courage and self-belief. From a sociological perspective, these achievements also provide an opportunity to examine their influence on public sentiment, perceptions of people with disabilities and the participation of people with disabilities in sport.