NAGOYA, October 6. /Dunyo IA/.  Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirozawa has praised the performance of Uzbek athletes at the 20^th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, in a commentary for Dunyo IA:

– On behalf of the residents of Nagoya, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the outstanding and successful performance of the Uzbek sports delegation at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

At these Games, Uzbekistan’s athletes demonstrated a high level of skill in kurash, the country’s national sport, as well as in rowing, canoeing and a wide range of other sporting disciplines, fully showcasing their potential as one of Asia’s leading sporting nations. Athletes’ energetic and determined performances, coupled with an impressive medal haul of 21 gold, 25 silver and 24 bronze medals, made a deep impression on the many spectators, inspired them and contributed significantly to creating an even more exhilarating atmosphere throughout the Games.

Particular attention should be paid to the achievements Uzbekistan has made in the development of sport in recent years. These efforts are helping to nurture a generation of world-class athletes who are successfully representing their country on the international stage. I am confident that the results demonstrated at these Asian Games are a natural outcome of their tireless work and dedication and will make a significant contribution to the further development of sport across Asia.

At the same time, we were deeply impressed by the high level of discipline and exemplary conduct demonstrated by your athletes, not only during the competitions but also beyond the sporting arenas. Their readiness to share the joy of victory with their teammates, their unwavering respect for their opponents and their determination to give their utmost until the very final moments of competition and fully realise their potential earned the sincere admiration of many residents of Nagoya. By combining sporting excellence with noble human qualities, Uzbekistan’s athletes truly embodied the core values and spirit of these Games.

I would like to extend my special gratitude to the Uzbek athletes who won medals in judo and took part in exchange programs organized at elementary schools across Nagoya. For the children, the opportunity to interact directly with athletes achieving outstanding results on the world stage and to learn from them was an invaluable experience. Your words about the importance of passion for sport, hard work and perseverance in pursuing one’s goals, as well as the importance of upholding the principles of respect and good conduct and having the courage to overcome difficulties, inspired great dreams and hopes in the children who will shape the future. Once again, I express my deepest gratitude for these sincere and warm encounters.

The City of Nagoya has concluded an agreement with Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on partnership in tourism and cultural exchange, and has been consistently developing relations of friendship and mutual cooperation with the Uzbek capital. I am confident that the people-to-people exchanges that took place during these Asian Games, both at the sporting venues and beyond them, will help further strengthen ties between Tashkent and Nagoya, while promoting greater mutual understanding and fostering friendly relations between our peoples.

Taking this opportunity, I wish all members of the Uzbek sports delegation good health and continued success in their future endeavour and wish the Republic of Uzbekistan well-being and prosperity.