Martial arts are particularly popular in Uzbekistan, a nation of fighters. Three significant Judoka received special awards from the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee (NOC) in recognition of the Uzbekistan Judo Federation.
The NOC of Uzbekistan gave out 12 prizes for noteworthy accomplishments over the last 30 years during the event. The judoka Armen Bagdasarov, Rishod Sobirov, and Abdullo Tangriev received three of the 12 nominations.
Armen Bagdasarov, head referee director for the International Judo Federation (IJF), and 1996 Olympic silver medalist in judo, was recognized for bringing home the first medal for Uzbekistan at the Summer Olympics. Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia, delivered the speech.
"It is a very important date, 30 years since the establishment of the Uzbekistan NOC," said Armen Bagdasarov. Getting this award is a wonderful pleasure. The fact that two additional judokas, my students, received awards today makes me very thrilled.
Three honors were received by the Uzbekistan Judo Federation, and I am delighted and proud of that. For having won the most Olympic medals of any athlete, Rishod Sobirov was a winner. The Vice President of the OCA gave Rishod his award. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, Mr. Olivier Luis Niamkey, a member of the IOC, and Mr. Aziz Kamilov, vice president of the Uzbekistan NOC. For having won the most Olympic medals of any athlete, Rishod Sobirov was a winner.
The Vice President of the OCA gave Rishod his award. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, Mr. Olivier Luis Niamkey, a member of the IOC, and Mr. Aziz Kamilov, vice president of the Uzbekistan NOC.
The popularity of Judo in Uzbekistan among all sports enjoyed by the general public and recognized by the Olympic movement is demonstrated by these prizes, according to Mr. Kamilov.
We'll work hard to achieve our finest outcomes during the Olympic Games and in the next decades. It is an enormous honor. Being present now is a wonderful honor.
These honors are the property of the entire Uzbek judo community. Congratulations!"
Stephan Fox, Vice President of the GAISF, attended this historic event and later paid a visit to the National Federation Headquarters. He was greeted by President Kamilov Azizjon, General Secretary Mamajanov, and Technical Director Kakharov Eldorin, and he expressed his congratulations on all of Uzbekistan Judo's sporting accomplishments. He also expressed his hope to see many Judokas at the upcoming World Combat Games in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.