On June 23, a significant mass sports race “BYD Yangi Nafas” will be held in 16 cities of Uzbekistan. This race, which is part of the celebration of International Olympic Day and Youth Day, is not just a sporting event, but a platform for the younger generation and sports enthusiasts to showcase their passion and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

On the same day, the “Vatan Qalqoni” military-patriotic race will be held in Tashkent.

The organizers are the Ministries of Sports, Defense, Emergency Situations, Internal Affairs, Higher and Secondary Special Education, Preschool and School Education, the Uzbek State University of Physical Culture and Sports, the National Olympic Committee, the Agency for Youth Affairs, the Federations of Trade Unions and Athletics of Uzbekistan, and JSC Uzbekneftegaz.

Youth Day was established in 2017 on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and has become a key event for the country’s younger generation. Festivals, forums, contests, and competitions throughout June are held as part of Youth Month. National races are gaining increasing popularity among young people, and the “Yangi Nafas” project has become a movement that covers neighboring countries. Since 2020, more than 750 thousand people have become active participants, promoting a healthy lifestyle and sports.

To strengthen and support the patriotic spirit of military personnel and law enforcement officials, the Athletics Federation and law enforcement agencies organize military-patriotic races. This time, graduates of higher military educational institutions and law enforcement officers will take part in the “Vatan Qalqoni” race. The event aims to develop physical endurance and unite representatives of law enforcement agencies.

In total, almost 60,000 schoolchildren, students, tourists, representatives of the business and government sectors, military personnel, and public figures will participate in the races. The traditional race distance is three kilometers. The route will pass along the central streets of Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Nurafshan, Navoi, Gulistan, Jizzakh, Samarkand, Termez, Karshi, Bukhara, Karaulbazar, Guzar, Urgench, and Nukus.

The race will start at New Uzbekistan Park in Tashkent. All races will begin simultaneously at 7 a.m. Each city will employ qualified judges, coaches, and volunteers trained by the Athletics Federation.

Deputy Chairman of the Athletics Federation of Uzbekistan, Andrey Abduvaliyev, noted that mass sports are being revived in Uzbekistan, and residents have become active participants in sporting events.

On the eve of the 2024 Olympics, the celebration of International Olympic Day on June 23 takes special significance. On this day, millions of people worldwide will join numerous sporting events, showing their support and respect for Olympic champions and athletes who have won the right to participate in such prestigious competitions as the Olympics. It unites people of all ages and nationalities. It inspires an active lifestyle and participation in sports competitions under Olympic values ​​– friendship, respect, and the pursuit of excellence.

The National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan, following the principles of the Olympic Charter, encourages sports development and contributes to promoting all values. A program of events in various disciplines in the Olympic sports is being prepared for June 23. This will allow all participants to feel part of a global sports community.

Javokhir Toshkhujayev, UzA