Tashkent, Uzbekistan, April 15, 2021: Uzbekistan’s five wrestlers who won Tokyo Olympic quotas for the country at the Asian Olympic qualifiers in Almaty, Kazakhstan last weekend were feted by the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan on Wednesday, April 14.
At an award ceremony presided by Uzbekistan NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmonov, the four freestyle wrestlers and one Greco-Roman wrestler were given cash awards to mark their achievements.
“First of all, I sincerely congratulate all of you on your success. Behind this is your hard work. In addition, your victories will be an even greater motivation for our youth. They can see what they are aiming for. This is important in further strengthening the promotion of a healthy lifestyle by our government,” NOC President Shaabdurakhmonov said.
A cash prize of 100 million soums (US$9,500) was awarded to the four freestyle wrestlers to book Olympic tickets - Gulomjon Abdullaev (57kg), two-time world bronze medallist Bekzod Abdurakhmonov (74kg), Javrail Shapiev (86kg) and Rio 2016 bronze medallist Magomed Ibragimov (97kg) - as well as Greco-Roman wrestler, 2018 Asian Games champion Muminjon Abdullaev (130kg).
Each of their coaches were handed cash awards of 50 million soums (US$4,750).
Also present at the awards ceremony were NOC First Vice President Ravshan Irmatov, NOC Secretary General Oybek Kasimov, NOC Vice Presidents Azizjon Kamilov and Sherzod Tashmatov and Vice President of the Wrestling Association of Uzbekistan Shomurod Shofayziyev, among others.
NOC President Shaabdurakhmonov discussed plans for the Tokyo Olympics with the athletes at the end of the ceremony.
