Uzbekistan introduces biannual Presidential Olympics

Twice a year, the “Olympic Peaks of New Uzbekistan” competitions in Olympic sports will be held across the regions. This was announced today, February 13, at a videoconference meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who also serves as Chairman of the National Olympic Committee.  

Winners of the district and regional competitions will receive encouragement from regional governors. Those who excel at the regional stage will qualify for the Presidential Olympics, set to be held annually at the Olympic Village from December 10 to 20.  

Victors of the competition will be awarded valuable prizes, including houses and cars. Additionally, athletes who secure first and second places will gain admission to the Republican Olympic and Paralympic Center, with scholarships provided to 1st and 2nd-year students.

The President highlighted the crucial role of first coaches in identifying and training young talents. Currently, only coaches from sports schools or national teams receive incentives for athletes' achievements. In response, the President announced that first coaches will now receive up to 10 percent of the incentives provided to athletes and national team coaches.  

In the last three years, the number of people actively participating in parasports has quadrupled, surpassing 7,000, with women making up 29 percent of this group. The number of schools with sports clubs for these athletes has also risen from 33 to 235.  

However, due to a lack of scientifically based methodologies, standards, and educational materials, training programs for athletes with disabilities have not seen significant advancements. As a result, at least 100 athletes with disabilities and their coaches will be sent abroad annually for advanced training.  

To further support this initiative, the Adaptive Sports Association, in partnership with the A.I. Gersen Russian State Pedagogical University, is developing scientific methodologies and standards to engage young people with disabilities in sports. A dedicated faculty for adaptive sports will be established at the university's Tashkent branch.  

Moreover, 39 sports schools in various regions will specialize in parasports. The system will also create inclusive opportunities for athletes with disabilities, especially girls, to train and compete alongside other athletes.  

The process of issuing qualification certificates and retraining coaches for athletes and paraathletes will be simplified.  

Significantly, the selection system for forming national teams will be revamped for athletes with disabilities. Unlike the current system, which relies on competition results, future selections will also consider athletes' compliance with sports standards.  

Sports competitions and camps will follow the Olympic and Paralympic system, ensuring that parasports competitions are held alongside regular championships, and training camps are organized together.  

This inclusive approach aims to motivate and inspire athletes with disabilities.  

Previously, it was reported that the President had introduced a three-month probationary period for heads of sports departments.