Uzbekistan Secures Two Quotas for the XIV Winter Paralympic Games in Italy

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Athletes from Uzbekistan’s National Paralympic Team have earned two quotas for the XIV Winter Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place from March 6 to 15 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the National Paralympic Committee reported.

In para-alpine skiing, the country will be represented by Yulduz Mahmudova and Firdavs Khudoyatov in the giant slalom discipline.

23-year-old Mahmudova has previously achieved podium finishes at Uzbekistan’s national competitions in rock climbing, giant slalom, and slalom, while 22-year-old Khudoyatov has won multiple medals at national slalom and giant slalom events.

The competitions will feature five disciplines, divided into three categories based on the type of disability: standing, sitting on mono-skis, and visually impaired. Athletes with visual impairments will descend the slopes under the guidance of a lead skier, maintaining communication via radio. All events will take place on the slopes of the “Tofana” ski center in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the same venue that hosted the Games in 1956.

Previously, Uzbekistan was represented at the Olympic Games in Italy by Medet Nazarov in slalom and giant slalom and by short-track speed skater Daniil Eybog in the 500m and 1500m races. However, they did not achieve podium finishes. The participation of Mahmudova and Khudoyatov brings new hope for the country in winter Paralympic sports.