ASTANA: Uzbekistan has secured an unprecedented eight gold medals along with two silver and three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024. This remarkable achievement has catapulted the nation to 13th place in the final Olympic medal tally, its highest ranking since gaining independence in 1991 and the top position among Central Asian countries.
The gold medals were clinched by a diverse group of athletes across several disciplines. The gold medalists include judoka Diyora Keldiyorova, taekwondo wrestler Ulugbek Rashidov, freestyle wrestler Razambek Jamalov, and a trio of boxers: Hasanboi Dosmatov, Asadxoja Moydinxojaev, Lazizbek Mullojonov, Abdumalik Halokov, and Bahodir Jalolov.
The contingent at the Paris Olympics was the largest in Uzbekistan’s history. The U-23 football team made headlines by qualifying for the Olympics for the first time, achieving this milestone by reaching the finals of the Asian Championship.
Uzbekistan’s impressive medal tally of 13 (8 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze) not only represents the nation’s best-ever Olympic performance but also surpasses its previous best of 21st place achieved at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Notably, the boxing team delivered a historic performance by winning five gold medals.
Among the standout moments of the Games was Diyora Keldiyorova’s groundbreaking victory, making her the first Uzbek woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Her triumph, alongside Svetlana Osipova’s silver in taekwondo, highlighted the most successful performance by Uzbek female athletes in Olympic history.
The Paris Olympics also saw Uzbekistan make its debut in several new sports, including diving, archery, and women’s wrestling, showcasing the country’s expanding athletic capabilities. The U-23 football team’s qualification further emphasized Uzbekistan’s progress in team sports. Bakhodir Jalolov, Hasanboy Dusmatov, and Ulugbek Rashitov each secured their second Olympic gold medal.
In the broader context of the Games, Uzbekistan’s 13th-place finish ranked it highest among CIS and Central Asian countries. Among Asian nations, Uzbekistan achieved fourth place, trailing only behind China, Japan, and South Korea. The country’s performance surpassed that of competitors such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, with notable absences including Russia and Belarus.
Diyora Keldiyorova’s victory over the long-time undefeated Uta Abe in judo was particularly notable. Although the U-23 football team did not advance past the initial rounds, they received widespread admiration.
The competition also highlighted personal and dramatic moments, including Ulugbek Rashitov’s gold medal win despite an injury and the retirements of judoka Gulnoza Matniyazova, wrestler Sharofiddin Boltaboev, and Greco-Roman wrestler Rustam Assakalov.
Additionally, two-time Olympic champion Bakhodir Jalolov announced his transition to professional boxing, and head coach Tulkin Kilichev received urgent medical care for a heart attack from British doctors.
