Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Akmal Khasanov, a boxing coach from Uzbekistan, was awarded the Chingiz Aitmatov Medal for his support of Kyrgyz athlete Munarbek Seyitbek Uulu at the Paris Olympic Games.

The award ceremony took place on 22 August at the Forum of People’s Diplomacy in Tashkent.

Renowned Kyrgyz cultural figure Assol Moldokmatova presented Akmal Khasanov with a traditional chapan, a Kyrgyz felt hat, and a voucher for a vacation on Issyk-Kul.

It is worth noting that at the Olympics, Akmal Khasanov acted as the second for Munarbek Seyitbek Uulu from Kyrgyzstan. The official coach of the Kyrgyz athlete could not attend the Games in Paris due to accreditation issues. Under the guidance of the Uzbek coach, the boxer reached the finals and won a silver medal.

In the final, the Kyrgyz boxer faced off against Akmal Khasanov’s own trainee, Abdumalik Khalokov.

Residents of Kyrgyzstan on social media praised Akmal Khasanov’s actions as an example of fraternal support and solidarity among the peoples of Central Asia.