President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics, their parents and coaches at the Koksaroy residence.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev underscored that Olympic medals and achievements of the country in the global sports testify to the level of overall and human development of Uzbekistan.

"Indeed, the fact that you showcased courage and tenacity in extremely intense competitions and won 8 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze medals, which is a major result that testifies of the high potential of our country in terms of development. This historic victory shows what great things the youth of the New Uzbekistan is capable of," the head of state said.

The country ranked 13th in overall standings, the 4th place in the Asian continent, the 1st place among the Turkic and Islamic countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

This result is an unprecedented achievement in Uzbekistan’s history.

The victories of the athletes "inspired not only our people, but also our entire region," the president's press secretary Sherzod Asadov quotes him as saying. "Our hearts were filled with pride that such achievements called our peoples to unite, to stand shoulder to shoulder in any situation," the president said.

Uzbek boxing coach Akmal Khasanov helped boxer Munarbek Seyitbek uulu from Kyrgyzstan reach the Olympic finals. Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that this "became a vivid example of friendly relations in our region."

"It is pleasant to see that our policy, built on the principles of good neighborliness, has penetrated the hearts of our peoples today," the head of state said.

Having analyzed the results of the Games in Paris, preparations for the 2028 Olympics "should begin now," he said.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev pointed out that there are sports federations in swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, water polo, athletics, rowing, canoeing, cycling, archery and gymnastics in Uzbekistan, a suitable base for training for competitions and talented athletes.

While, the country has many untapped opportunities in team sports, such as field hockey, basketball, handball, rugby, water polo, Greco-Roman wrestling, equestrian sports, modern pentathlon, triathlon and fencing.

"We have four years ahead. I think the heads of sports federations will draw conclusions and properly prepare for the Olympics in Los Angeles," he said.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that Uzbekistan's main goal at the next Olympics should be to get into the top 10 strongest countries.

At the previous Summer Olympics, Uzbekistan had the following results:

Paris 2024 — 13th place with 13 medals (8-2-3);

Tokyo 2020 — 32nd place with 5 medals (3-0-2);

Rio 2016 — 21st place with 13 medals (4-2-7);

London 2012 — 48th place with 4 medals (1-0-3);

Beijing 2008 — 40th place with 6 medals (1-2-3);

Athens 2004 — 34th place with 5 medals (2-1-2);

Sydney 2000 — 43rd place with 4 medals (1-1-2);

Atlanta 1996 - 58th place with 2 medals (0−1−1).