Olympic fencing silver medalist Sobir Ruziyev dies at 73

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek fencer and 1980 Moscow Olympic silver medalist Sobir Ruziyev has died at the age of 73, the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan said.

Ruziyev was considered one of the most decorated figures in Uzbek fencing. During his sporting career, he won two gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the World Championships.

At the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, Ruziyev won a silver medal in the team foil competition.

After ending his competitive career, Ruziyev continued working in sports. From 1995 to 2003, he served as chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan.

For his contribution to the development of sport in Uzbekistan, Ruziyev was awarded the honorary title of Honored Athlete of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan expressed its condolences to Ruziyev’s family and loved ones.