Asia Triathlon Cup will kick off in Samarkand in five days.

The Ministry of Sports Development, the National Olympic Committee, Uzbekistan Triathlon Federation, and the Hokimiyat of Samarkand region are carrying out all the necessary activities to hold high-level competitions and meet sports delegations from almost 30 countries.

At a press conference, Deputy Minister of Sports Development Shakhrullo Makhmudov, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee Oybek Kasimov, Secretary General of Uzbekistan Triathlon Federation Yelena Kun spoke about the importance of the competition to be held for the first time in Samarkand, and the preparations for the major event. Mr. Makhmudov noted that the organization of such competitions, covering three areas of sports – running, swimming and cycling, is a complex process. Even though triathlon has become popular in the country not so long ago, Uzbekistan has become one of the triathlon centers in Asia.

As noted by experts, athletes will compete for international ranking points, which are important for advancing to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The competitions will be held in two stages. On October 8, professional athletes from 29 countries will compete for medals. They include winners of the Olympic Games and World Championships. On October 9, with the participation of representatives of seven states, competitions among amateurs, as well as the national championships will be held to form Uzbekistan's national team.

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Tulqin Ruziyev, UzA