On July 1st, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals for Uzbekistan’s preparations ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, set to take place in Los Angeles, USA.
As highlighted during a national video conference on 13 February, where the President called for stronger efforts in Olympic development, Uzbekistan had achieved notable results at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris — finishing 13th in the overall medal standings at both events. That success has now laid the foundation for a far-reaching, long-term sports strategy.
A draft presidential decree has been prepared, setting out ten key priorities. These include the differentiated development of sports based on their current level, expanding the reach of medal-potential disciplines, implementing transparent talent identification from the grassroots, and forming a national training system informed by international expertise.
New Structures and Incentives for Athletic Growth
The strategy calls for the organisation of focused training camps aimed at specific performance goals, the strengthening of technical resources for national teams, and the deepening of ties with international sports bodies.
To oversee these efforts, 14 regional departments have been established under the National Olympic Committee. Leaders of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the country’s regions and Tashkent will serve as special presidential representatives for Olympic development, supported by officials from the Ministry of Sport and the Olympic Committee.
A three-stage competition, Olympic Summits of New Uzbekistan, will be introduced to identify and professionally train young talent from the ground up. Its final stage will be held annually at a new Olympic village named Presidential Olympics, with winners admitted to national Olympic centres.
The Republican Olympic and Paralympic Centre will focus on developing the national reserve of athletes. From 2026, it will be state-funded and operate as a school for students in years 8–11 and a college for first- and second-year students. These students will be eligible for Ministry of Sport scholarships, and the centre will have free access to the Olympic village’s facilities.
Private sports clubs will also be given the right to participate in official competitions and contribute athletes to the national teams. To encourage high performance, various rewards are planned: champions and medallists of major competitions will be admitted to top military academies without entrance exams, while coaches who develop successful athletes at early stages will receive additional financial incentives.
