Paris is gearing up to host the 17th edition of the Summer Paralympic Games, set to take place from August 28 to September 8. A record-breaking 113 licenses have been granted to Uzbekistan, allowing 65 para-athletes to proudly represent their country and compete in various disciplines such as athletics, judo, swimming, powerlifting, canoeing, rowing, taekwondo, shooting, and cycling.
It is worth noting that this is the largest number of participants from Uzbekistan in the history of the Paralympic Games, with 32 licenses won in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and 70 in Tokyo in 2020. A special ceremony was held at the Olympic Glory Museum to bid farewell to the national team and show support for their journey to Paris.
The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection under the President Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, as well as past Paralympic winners Diyora Keldiyorova, Ulugbek Rashitov, and Asila Mirzayorova. They spoke about the advancements and opportunities for people with disabilities in Uzbekistan and expressed confidence in the success of their fellow para-athletes at the upcoming Games.
The Prime Minister also presented the country’s flag to Khusniddin Norbekov, a world and continental champion in Paralympic athletics, and Mokhigul Khamdamova, a medalist of the Asian Paralympic Games, who were chosen as flagbearers for the Uzbekistan delegation in Paris.
A poem dedicated to the para-athletes was read by Botir Ergashev, Deputy Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan, at the ceremony.
It is worth mentioning that out of the 65 para-athletes representing Uzbekistan in Paris, 29 are women, making up 45% of the team. This is a result of the country’s efforts to support and empower women in sports, further elevating their status in society.
The official opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place on August 28. We wish all the best to the Uzbekistan delegation and look forward to their outstanding performances.
[gallery-18699]Javokhir Tashkhojayev, Tulkin Ruziyev, UzA