Uzbekistan finished behind China and host nation Japan at the fifth Summer Asian Para Games, collecting 49 silver and 51 bronze medals alongside its golds.
More than 2,600 athletes from 45 Asian countries competed at the Games. Uzbekistan placed ahead of India, South Korea, Iran, Thailand and Indonesia. Women won half of Uzbekistan’s gold medals, the presidential press service said.
Uzbek athletes set world and Asian records
Uzbekistan’s team delivered a series of record-breaking performances across several sports. Powerlifter Ruza Kuziyeva set a world record on her way to gold.
Madina Mukhtorova and Karomat Omonova set Asian records in the shot put, while Shahina Yigitalieva did so in the javelin and Navruza Ahmadova in the discus. Khurshid Kodirov also set an Asian record in the 100 meters.
In para-swimming, Yegor Bolotov set continental records in the 100-metre backstroke and 200-metre individual medley. Sixteen-year-old Lolakhon Kodirova set an Asian record in the 50-metre freestyle. Another 16 Uzbek athletes improved Asian Para Games records in para-cycling, powerlifting and para-athletics.
Several athletes added to their previous success at the continental competition. Dmitry Khorlin secured his fourth Asian Para Games podium finish, while Bobirjon Omonov, Khusniddin Norbekov, Kudratillokhon Ma’rufkhujaev and Fakhriddin Khamroev won medals at their third edition of the Games.
Asila Mirzaeva, Shahina Yigitalieva, Guljonoy Naimova and Ruza Kuziyeva successfully defended their titles. Madina Mukhtorova, Navruza Ahmadova and Mubinabonu Khalilova each claimed a second Asian Para Games title.
Kodirov won three gold medals, while Bolotov made an impressive debut at the Games, taking four golds and one silver in para-swimming.
Fifteen-year-old cyclist makes history
Marjona Pardaboyeva, who carried Uzbekistan’s flag at the opening ceremony, became a two-time Asian champion. She had previously won Uzbekistan’s first gold medal at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships.
