Paralympic sport is a movement that provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to compete, participate in sports, and develop themselves in various disciplines at both the national and international levels. Sports events initiated in 1948 by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann to rehabilitate veterans injured in World War II laid the groundwork for the start of the Paralympic Games over time.
Paralympic sports today are defined as a field that not only further develops the physical capacities of people with disabilities but also promotes equality, social participation, and human dignity. In this respect, the Paralympic movement serves not merely as a matter of physical performance in sport, but also as a bridge that brings people together.
The Paralympic Games encompass numerous sports designed to suit the different abilities and skills of people with disabilities. In addition to individual sports such as swimming, athletics, judo, cycling, table tennis, shooting, and weightlifting, team or individual sports such as wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball are also of great importance in these Games.
In Uzbekistan, Paralympic sport is regarded as an element that strengthens the participation of all groups in society through sport and enhances the inclusion of national policies beyond expectations. The government views Paralympic disciplines not only as activities for people with disabilities but also as an integral part of the state’s overall sports strategy. This movement provides equal opportunities to Uzbekistan’s young population and reflects the country’s inclusive development vision on the international stage. For this reason, sport is considered a strategic tool that contributes to the strengthening of social policies in Uzbekistan.
One of the most tangible examples of this vision is Uzbekistan’s remarkable success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The victory of Uzbek judoka Diyora Keldiyorova, who won the country’s first-ever gold medal, marked a turning point in the nation’s sports history. In this context, a modern judo hall named after her was inaugurated in Tashkent, ensuring the integration of sports with educational institutions.[i]
In addition to this success, Uzbekistan is preparing to host the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games scheduled for 2027. In this regard, the IBSA delegation inspected the Olympic and Paralympic Park, constructed in 2025, and gave a positive assessment of the project’s progress. Spanning more than one hundred hectares, the complex is poised to become one of the largest sports facilities in Central Asia, featuring six indoor arenas, a semi-covered stadium with a capacity of 15,000, cycling tracks, Olympic swimming pools, and multipurpose areas. The full implementation of accessibility standards in this project demonstrates that sports are made accessible to everyone. With ramps, barrier-free entrances, and guidance systems, the project not only meets international standards but also embodies the ambition of creating a lasting social legacy.[ii]
The Tashkent Olympic Village was opened to the public in 2025 with the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Built following an investment of approximately $290 million, this complex is equipped with a 12,000-seat athletics stadium, an Olympic-standard swimming center adapted for different levels of disability, as well as facilities for martial arts and team sports. In addition, the incorporation of energy efficiency principles, solar panels, and modern architecture reflects a sustainability-oriented approach, demonstrating Uzbekistan’s commitment to adopting contemporary standards in its sports investments.[iii]
The infrastructure investments made demonstrate not only Uzbekistan’s capacity to host events but also the importance of its commitment to promoting the widespread participation of society in sports. The sports village is noteworthy in that it serves not only elite athletes but also university students, school sports, and local communities. In this sense, sport is transformed not merely into a tool for winning medals at international competitions, but also into an element that improves public health, encourages young people to work with discipline, and strengthens national identity.
Uzbekistan’s efforts are supported by a comprehensive strategy prepared for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. Based on the country’s achievements at the 2024 Paris Games, this strategy presents a ten-point roadmap aimed at sustainable development in sports. Under the plan, 14 regional Olympic offices have been established, and the “New Uzbekistan Olympic Summits” have been designed in three stages to systematically discover young talent. In addition, innovations such as the inclusion of private sports clubs in the national system, the provision of scholarships to athletes, and the encouragement of successful coaches are among the key components of this strategy. As President Mirziyoyev stated in his speech to athletes, each success raises the country’s flag in the world and serves as a source of inspiration for younger generations.[iv]
In conclusion, Uzbekistan’s progress in the field of Paralympic sports has provided the country with remarkable momentum, both in terms of infrastructure and institutional strategies. Preparations for the IBSA World Games, the opening of the Olympic Village in Tashkent, and the Los Angeles 2028 strategy all demonstrate that the state regards sport not merely as a domain of performance but as one of the main pillars of social development. The transformative power of sport emerges as a vital instrument for overcoming barriers and fostering social integration. Uzbekistan’s achievement also reveals that Paralympic sports is not only for people with disabilities but serve as a source of equality, pride, and hope for society as a whole.
[i] “Tashkent 2025 Asian Youth Para Games not going ahead, alternative host city being sought”, Asian Paralimpic Comitee, https://asianparalympic.org/tashkent-2025-asian-youth-para-games-not-going-ahead-alternative-host-city-being-sought/, (Accessed: 08.09.2025).
[ii]“Offical IJF Partners, Incredible School Dojo Opens in Tashkent”, IJF, https://www.ijf.org/news/show/incredible-school-dojo-opens-in-tashkent,(Accessed: 08.09.2025).
[iii] “Uzbekistan Unveils “Olympic Village with World-Class Sports Facilities in Tashkent”, Kursiv, https://uz.kursiv.media/en/2025-08-18/uzbekistan-unveils-olympic-village-with-world-class-sports-facilities-in-tashkent/, (Accessed: 08.09.2025).
[iv] “Uzbekistan Unveils Strategy for 2028 Olympics and Paralympics”, Kursiv, https://uz.kursiv.media/en/2025-07-02/uzbekistan-unveils-strategy-for-2028-olympics-and-paralympics/, (Accessed: 08.09.2025).
