Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 23 June, the BYD Yangi Nafas mass sports race will be held in 16 cities of Uzbekistan, timed to coincide with the celebration of International Olympic Day, Children’s Day and Youth Day. On the same day, the Vatan Qalqoni military-patriotic race will be held in Tashkent with the participation of graduates of higher military educational institutions.

The organizers of this grandiose sporting event are the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education, Ministry of Preschool and School Education, Uzbek State University of Physical Culture and Sports, National Olympic Committee, Agency for Youth Affairs, Federation of Trade Unions, with the organizational support of Uzbekneftegaz JSC and the Athletics Federation of Uzbekistan.

The BYD Yangi Nafas race will be a special event that unites important dates of national and international significance - Children's Day, Youth Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Olympic Day, which is celebrated in dozens of countries around the world, symbolizing the unity of the Olympic movement.

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. As part of Youth Month, which takes place in June, numerous festivals, forums, competitions and competitions are held. This year, the Yangi Nafas republican races are again included in the festive program, continuing the tradition started three years ago and are gaining increasing popularity among young people.

Since 2020, the Yangi Nafas project has transformed into a large-scale movement covering not only Uzbekistan, but also neighboring countries. Over the years, more than 750 thousand people have become its 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, together with law enforcement agencies, organizes military-patriotic races. Graduates of higher military educational institutions and law enforcement officers will take part in the upcoming Vatan Qalqoni race. The event is aimed at developing physical endurance and uniting representatives of law enforcement agencies.

This year, about 60 thousand people will take part in the BYD Yangi Nafas and Vatan Qalqoni races, including schoolchildren, students, tourists, representatives of the business and government sectors, military personnel and public figures. The traditional race distance is 3 km. The race route will pass along the central streets of Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Nurafshan, Navoi, Gulistan, Jizzakh, Samarkand, Termez, Karshi, Bukhara, Karaulbazar, Guzar, Urgench and Nukus. In Tashkent, the start of the race will be given in the Yangi O'zbekiston park. All races will begin simultaneously at 7 a.m.

To ensure a high level of organization of the races in each city, qualified judges, coaches and volunteers trained by the Athletics Federation will be involved.

Deputy Chairman of the Athletics Federation of Uzbekistan Andrey Abduvaliev noted: “Mass sports in Uzbekistan is experiencing a revival. Citizens have become active participants in sporting events, and many years of work promoting mass races and marathons is yielding results. Talented athletes set an example for young people and the BYD Yangi Nafas race, dedicated to the International Olympic Day, will be an important initiative to support our athletes preparing for the Summer Olympic Games.”

On the eve of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the celebration of International Olympic Day takes on special significance. On June 23, millions of people around the world will join numerous sporting events to show their support and respect for the Olympic champions and athletes who have qualified for the 2024 Games. This global event brings together people of all ages and nationalities, inspiring them to live an active lifestyle and participate in sporting competitions under the banner of the Olympic values of friendship, respect and the pursuit of excellence.

The National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan, following the principles of the Olympic Charter, encourages the development of elite sports, as well as mass sports, and contributes to the promotion of these values, emphasizing its importance for society. In preparation for the International Olympic Day,

The committee will develop a comprehensive program of events across the various disciplines included in the Olympic sports, allowing participants to feel part of the global sports community.