Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 13 November, more than 50,000 participants from 15 cities of the country joined the Yangi Nafas sports race, organized on the eve of the Day of Adoption of the State Flag of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The race has become one of the most massive sports events held in Central Asia.

Residents of Andijan, Bukhara, Gulistan, Jizzakh, Karshi, Kokand, Navoi, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Tashkent, Termez, Urgench, Ferghana and Chirchik took part in the sports festival Yangi Nafas, held under the motto "One country, one start, one distance, one goal - we run together!

On 13 November, sports brought together thousands of people of all ages under the flag of the republic. Three locations were organized in the city of Tashkent - experienced runners gathered in Yangi Uzbekiston Park, a family run took place in Ashxabad Park and about five thousand runners started at Humo Arena Square. The live broadcast of the event and connection from the regions and the Republic of Karakalpakstan was conducted on the Sport.TV channel.

Minister of Sports Development Adkham Ikramov, Minister of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education Abdukodir Toshkulov and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan, Major General Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov addressed the participants with a welcoming speech.

One of the highlights was the run along the competition track by cadets of the Academy of the Armed Forces with a 40-meter flag of the state flag of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The Yangi Nafas project is becoming a real people’s movement. To ensure fair competition conditions, only non-professional athletes were able to test their strength and skills in races. The organizers paid special attention to ensuring the safety of the track for runners with disabilities.

Secretary General of the Athletics Federation Kamoliddin Ruzamukhamedov noted that more than 300 volunteers across the country were involved in organizing a large-scale sporting event, and training sessions were held for 345 coaches and judges. With the assistance of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education, more than 27 thousand students from 85 higher educational institutions of Uzbekistan were able to take part in the Yangi Nafas race. All participants were given T-shirts with holiday symbols, the winners - commemorative medals and gifts.

Carrying out sports events dedicated to the celebration of important state dates has become a good tradition in recent years. It is symbolic that such large-scale sports competitions are organized on Flag Day, as our athletes take part in international competitions, win and rise to the podium under the flag of Uzbekistan.

Sport has become an integral part of the life of the young generation of our country. Sports achievements serve to strengthen the spirit of patriotism, and the flag of the republic acts as a symbol of national unity.

The organizers of the Yangi Nafas sports race were the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education, the Ministry of Sports Development, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the National Guard, the Tashkent city administration, the Agency for Youth Affairs, the Federation of Trade Unions, Uzbekneftegaz, the Triathlon Federation of Uzbekistan and Athletics Federation of Uzbekistan.

Absolute winners among women (Tashkent): first place - Nasibullina Angelina (result - 12:55.70), second place - Bektemirova Diana (result - 13:02.11), third place - Tuygunova Zarnigor (result - 13:22.01).

Absolute winners among men (Tashkent): first place - Abdurakhmonov Shakhrom (result - 9:19.11), second place - Nadiyorov Sherzod (result - 9:40.20), third place - Khaitov Sherbek (result - 9:45.01).

Absolute winners among participants with disabilities (women): first place - Yokubjonova Makhliyokhon (result -17:34.2), second place - Angelina Kolesnikova (result - 20:26.7), third place - Azimova Shahina (result -23:34.8).

Absolute winners among participants with disabilities (men): first place - Arzikulov Sardor (result - 13:31.5), second place - Baranov Vladimir (result - 15:04.8), third place - Davronbekov Kamron (result - 15:12.8).