When it comes to a question of national identity- sports are like oil to an engine-faster, stronger, better. Look at the egocentric (applies to all of the following): Chinese (with 50? 70? medals), Russians (no comment here), US obsession with sports and being the 1ST and the “bestest”. Taking the same reasoning, however false maybe, I conclude that sports are good for Uzbekistan’s national identity. Waaay better than brainwashing anyway.And certainly much better use for public finances than some “oka’s” new crib in a Tashkent suburb.

Uzbekistan won 6 medals in total, bronze in trampoline, bronze in mens’ parallel bars, gold and silver in judo, and gold and silver in freestyle wrestling. From the same source, the number of Olympic medals scored by Uzbekistan has been steadily increasing: 2 in Atlanta, 4 in Sydney, and 5 in
Athens.

In response to the accomplishments, a president’s decree was issued to grant honorary titles and medals to the athletes, the coaches, and other staff of the Uzbek Olympic team; presidential resolution to grant $200,000 to gold, $100,000 to silver, and $50,000 to the bronze medalists respectively; the rest of the athletes are to receive $2000 each, and ALL are to receive Better Living Conditions (no kidding..). To make sure this actually happens, PM Mirziyaev (the Feared) was put in charge. We shall wait and see. 

On the other note, sadly today Akgul Amanmuradova  lost 6-4, 7-5 in the first qualifying round at the US Open to Russia’s Dementieva. This was Akgul’s first(!) US Open tournament, while Dementieva is at her 9th. Nevertheless, “Let’s go, Akgul!” for you were the only athlete representing Uzbekistan at the Tournament this year.