Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The 5th Islamic Solidarity Games taking place these days in Turkey are opening a new page in the history of Uzbek sports. The postponement of the 19th Summer Asian Games, which were to be held in Hangzhou, China this year, made Konya 2021 the most important start of the year, and the preparation of teams in all sports was at the proper level. This is evidenced by the results achieved in the competition. In almost all disciplines, domestic athletes win medals.

The fact that our compatriots have won medals at prestigious starts at most of the competitions in sports that have ended so far deserves special attention. It is worth noting that representatives of the wrestling, athletics, WT taekwondo, cycling (track and road), judo, rhythmic gymnastics, para-swimming teams made a significant contribution to the treasury of the delegation of Uzbekistan.

Among the successful Uzbek athletes, weightlifters deserve great attention. The full squad that participated in the Games (8 men and three women) was awarded medals of various denominations. The most surprising thing is that the athletes added 24 medals to our delegation’s treasury (15 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze). And this allowed the national weightlifting team to secure the leadership in the team event.

It was the medals won by the country’s weightlifters that became an important factor in the fact that the delegation of Uzbekistan overtook the Iranian team, which is one of the strongest countries not only in Asia, but throughout the world. It is gratifying to note that many domestic athletes have updated their personal records at the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Another important aspect that deserves recognition is the identification of a worthy reserve in Uzbek weightlifting. But, interesting is the fact that even in the current composition there are no age athletes. Even Ruslan Nuriddinov, who is considered a veteran of the national team, is 30 years old.

It is also worth noting the successful participation of worthy followers of the current stars of Uzbek weightlifting, who proved themselves at these Games as one of the best. These are Sarvarbek Zafarjonov, Muhammadkodir Tashtemirov, Sharofiddin Amriddinov, Nigora Suvonova, record holder Tursunoy Jabborova, Regina Adashbayeva (although her name is new in weightlifting, she has been active in big sport for a long time). We are confident that thanks to these new stars, the Uzbek school of weightlifting will continue to conquer the heights of world sports.