IWD award winner Mirziyoyeva praises female athletes at Paralympics

MILAN, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, one of the winners of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) 2026 International Women's Day (IWD) Recognition Awards, said Monday that women and girls with disabilities around the world are inspired by the female athletes at the Milan-Cortina Paralympic Games.

"To the female athletes currently competing at Milan-Cortina, your perseverance is an inspiration to us all," Mirziyoyeva said. "May your performances in Italy continue to build a legacy of inclusion and excellence that inspires generations to come -- not only in Uzbekistan, but around the world."

The IPC announced Sunday that Mirziyoyeva, first deputy chairperson of the National Paralympic Committee of Uzbekistan, Lucha Villar Galvez, president of the National Paralympic Committee of Peru, and World Para Ice Hockey were the winners of this year's IWD awards.

Mirziyoyeva has emerged as one of Uzbekistan's most dynamic leaders advancing women's rights, gender equality and inclusion. Within the Paralympic movement, she promotes the participation of women and girls with disabilities in sports, expanding their opportunities and leadership in parasport.

"I am proud to be part of a movement where sport creates real opportunities and drives meaningful progress," Mirziyoyeva said. ■