Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 29 June, simultaneous “BYD Yangi Nafas” runs took place in 16 cities across the republic to celebrate two significant dates – Uzbekistan’s Youth Day and International Olympic Day.

Around 60,000 running enthusiasts took to the central streets of cities to unite the youth Olympic movement. The BYD Yangi Nafas runs were held in Andijan, Namangan, Ferghana, Nurafshan, Navoi, Gulistan, Jizzakh, Samarkand, Termez, Karshi, Shakhrisabz, Bukhara, Karaulbazar, Urgench, and Nukus. Additionally, a military-patriotic run "Vatan Qalqoni" was organized for graduates and cadets of higher military educational institutions.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education, Uzbek State University of Physical Culture and Sports, National Olympic Committee, Agency for Youth Affairs, Federation of Trade Unions, with organizational support from AO "Uzbekneftegaz" and the Athletics Federation of Uzbekistan.

Regional runs were organized with the support of regional administrations (khokimiyats).

Traditionally, the distance of the BYD Yangi Nafas run was 3 km, suitable for runners of all ages and skill levels. Participants included schoolchildren, students, families, as well as military personnel and representatives of business and government sectors. In Tashkent alone, over 2,000 participants joined the mass run in Yangi Uzbekistan Park.

The Olympic Day celebration began with a message from Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), emphasizing its global impact in uniting millions worldwide across all ages and nationalities, inspiring active lifestyles and participation in sports. The development of mass sports is one of the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter.

Ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, the celebration of International Olympic Day holds special significance in supporting Uzbekistan’s Olympians preparing for this major event in their professional lives.

Annually on 30 June, Uzbekistan celebrates Youth Day, established by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017. For the third consecutive year, the program of events includes the Yangi Nafas runs aimed at promoting a harmoniously developed generation and fostering youth engagement in sports and physical culture.

A military-patriotic run "Vatan Qalqoni" was organized for graduates and cadets of higher military educational institutions and law enforcement officers, aimed at promoting healthy competitive spirit and unity through sports and patriotic values.

The opening ceremony in Tashkent featured welcoming remarks by Adham Ikramov, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, highlighting how Yangi Nafas has become a nationwide unifying event over the past four years, involving thousands of runners. This project has transformed into a massive movement, engaging over 750,000 people and promoting a healthy lifestyle across Uzbekistan.

The sporting celebration also featured speeches by Viktor Makhmudov, Secretary of the Security Council under the President of the Republic, and Oybek Kasimov, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan.

Prizes from the organizers were awarded to the winners of the BYD Yangi Nafas run at a ceremony held at the Athletics Federation stadium.

Winners of the BYD Yangi Nafas run:

Men – 3 km (absolute category):
1. Eldor Botirov – 0:09:38
2. Oybek Mamatkomilov - 0:09:47
3. Jahongir Rakhmatullaev - 0:09:56

Women – 3 km (absolute category):
1. Aziza Mirzaakbarova – 0:11:27
2. Darya Andropova – 0:11:50
3. Faridakhon Tulkunboeva – 0:11:56

Men – 3 km (students category):
1. Eldor Botirov – 0:09:38
2. Gayrat Hakimov - 0:10:06
3. Shahrom Abdurakhmonov - 0:10:12

Women – 3 km (students category):
1. Kamola Hakimjonova – 0:22:49
2. Guzal Olimova – 0:23:5
3. Shahlo Salokhiddinova – 0:24:08

Men – 3 km (cadets category):
1. Akmal Salaev – 0:10:47
2. Akobir Kironboev – 0:10:51
3. Ulugbek Ashurboev – 0:10:56

Women – 3 km (cadets category):
1. Iroda Bekmirzaeva - 0:14:48
2. Navbahor Daniyarova - 0:15:15
3. Zarina Abdusamatova - 0:16:06

Men – 3 km (35+ category):
1. Kamol Tashpulatov – 0:12:13
2. Ramil Gumirov – 0:12:29
3. Alisher Rajabov – 0:13:26

Women – 3 km (35+ category):
1. Nigora Ruzieva - 0:21:10
2. Kamila Sharobidinova - 0:22:13
3. Madina Davletova - 0:29:49