Uzbek President Islam Karimov said: “Today we gathered to honour and award athletes, who protected honour of Uzbekistan at the 30th Summer Olympic Games in London with dignity”. He said that various sport events are organized worldwide, but Olympic Games are the most important.

President Islam Karimov expressed gratitude to the Uzbek athletes and coaches, who participated at London Games and protected honour of Uzbekistan with dignity.

As reported earlier, four athletes of Uzbekistan became medalists at Olympic Games, while fourteen athletes were among top ten.

Freestyle wrestler Artur Taymazov won a gold medal, while judoka Rishod Sobirov, boxer Abbos Atoyev and freestyle wrestler Soslan Tigiev claimed bronze medals.

Islam Karimov recalled that after Beijing Games he told Artur Taymazov that he should win third gold Olympic medal. Today, he justified trust and claimed a historic victory for Uzbekistan. Uzbek leader said that his achievement will be written to history of Uzbek and world sports with gold letters.

Uzbek head Islam Karimov said that warm words can be told about two time Olympic bronze medalists Rishod Sobirov and two time Olympic medalists Soslan Tigiev, bronze medalist Abbos Atoev and other athletes.

Islam Karimov said that this is great victory and achievement, which will serve as an example for young generation.

Uzbek President said that now next task is to prepare next Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He said that results of London Games should be analyzed and learn lessons from them. He said Uzbekistan should learn experience of other countries and start work from today.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree “On awarding of a group athletes, who achieved high results at the Thirties Summer Olympic Games in London” on 14 August.

According to the document, bronze medal winners Rishod Sobirov (judo) and Soslan Tigiyev (freestyle wrestling) have been awarded with the title Uzbekiston Iftihori (Pride of Uzbekistan). Bronze medal winner Abbos Atoyev (boxing) received title of Honored Sportsman of Uzbekistan. Three time Olympic Games champion Artur Taymazov was awarded with the order of El-yurt Hurmati (Respect of the Nation).

During the meeting, President of Uzbekistan handed over these awards to the athletes. At the same time, Islam Karimov awarded Artur Taymazov with his statuette holding Uzbekistan’s flag, made from gold.