Mijgona Samadova named Tajikistan’s flag bearer at 2026 Asian Games

Tajik boxer Mijgona Samadova has been selected as the flag bearer for Tajikistan at the 20th Summer Asian Games, which will be held from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan.

The continental sporting event will bring together athletes from 45 Asian countries and territories.

Samadova’s selection is symbolic. The experienced boxer already has an Asian Games medal to her name, having won bronze at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

What does it mean to be a flag bearer?

Being a flag bearer is an honorary and symbolic role rather than a competitive position. During the athletes’ parade at the opening ceremony, the flag bearer carries the national flag at the head of the country’s delegation.

The role is usually given to prominent or accomplished athletes with international experience, making Samadova’s selection recognition of her achievements with the Tajikistan national team.

Tajikistan will field athletes in 20 sports at the Games.

In freestyle wrestling, the team includes Ayaal Belolyubsky, Abdulmajid Kudiyev, Viktor Rassadin, Magomed Evloyev, Ismoil Kartoyev and Sarmat Tsarakhov.

The Greco-Roman wrestling team consists of Aslam Azizov, Sunnat Abdulloyev, Alisher Rouzimadov, Muhammad Sultonzoda and Eduard Babenoshev. Vatansulton Shakarshoyeva will be Tajikistan’s only representative in women’s wrestling.

Nine athletes will compete in judo: Ahliya Muminova, Madina Qurbonzoda, Loiq Qutbuddinov, Nourali Emomali, Muhiddin Asadulloyev, Abubakr Sherov, Shodmon Rizoyev, Jahongir Majidov and Mansour Rahmon.

The boxingteam includes Mehroj Sufiddinov, Akmal Ubaydov, Shamsher Saidov, Nekrouz Salimov, Parviz Karimov, Muhammad Aboriddinov, Fariza Yoqoubova, Hangoma Isoyeva, Mijgona Samadova and Malika Nozimova.

In kurash, Tajikistan will be represented by Shohida Qalandarova, Sarvar Abdushukurov, Yosin Bobokalonov and Shakarmamad Mirmamadov.

The jiu-jitsu team comprises Alijon Bobomurodov, Umar Boymurodov, Mahmoud Nazrizoda, Behnom Razaki, Safarmakhsoum Safarov, Ramshed Abdulloyev and Alisher Gharibshoyev.

Rustam Saidov, Bakhtiyor Shafoatov, Anushervon Kamolzoda and Mirzodalerkhon Khurshedzoda will compete in wushu.

In karate-do, Tajikistan will field Muhammad Mirzozoda, Maksatullo Muminov and Alisher Sultonov, while Aslanbek Fazilov and Malik Shuhratzoda will compete in taekwondo WTF.

Tajikistan will also make its Asian Games debut in mixed martial arts, with Mirzobek Umarov, Behrouz Khurshedzoda and Otabek Rajabov entered in the discipline.

The athletics team consists of Favoris Muzrapov, Ildar Ahmadiyev, Leonid Pronzhenko and Muhammadrizoi Mirzozoda.

Tajikistan will have 11 swimmers at the Games: Emiliya Khalikova, Sofiyakhon Gaziyeva, Ardasher Gadoyev, Almos Gadoyev, Karim Qurbonov, Amin Vaisov, Saddam Ramziyorzoda, Fakhriddin Malkamov, Ahmad Kholov, David Kuziyev and Zakhar Pilkevich.

Shahriyor Daminov and Muhammadi Rajabov will compete in canoe sprint. Daminov previously won silver at the 2018 Asian Games.

In archery, Tajikistan will be represented by Samir Rustamov, Farrukh Qurbonov and Bakhtiyor Dilshodi.

The sport shooting team includes Anora Lagutenko, Malika Lagutenko, Shirinbibi Rajabova, Anastasiya Lysykh, Mehron Khojayev, Siyovoush Panjsheri and David Oripov.

Akbar Ghafourov will compete in weightlifting, while Komron Ghoibov will represent Tajikistan in artistic gymnastics. Muhammad Askarshozoda will compete in fencing.

Tajikistan will also field a sizeable tennis team: Shahzoda Asimova, Anastasiya Tursunova, Anisa Yahyoyeva, Sayyora Rajabaliyeva, Sumaya Tukhtayeva, Anvar Rahmatov, Somon Amonov, Ahmad Qosimi, Issam Sharifov, Shodmon Qurbonov and Sobir Saidov.

Odil Abdurahimov and Jumaboy Saidov will compete in badminton.

Tajikistan will also take part in breaking, represented by Amina Rahimova, Lola Rajabova, Sadriddin Dorobshohi and A’zam Narziyev.

In esports, the country will be represented by Bezhan Abdulloyev, Shahzod Safarzoda and Firdavs Safolov.

Combat sports remain Tajikistan’s main medal hopes

Tajikistan is going to Japan with realistic medal ambitions, particularly in combat sports. Several members of the team have experience at major international competitions and are capable of challenging for medals.

Judo will be among the sports under particular attention, with Nourali Emomali and Muhiddin Asadulloyev among the team’s leading medal contenders. Jahongir Majidov and other judokas also have significant international experience.

The boxing team is another potential source of medals, while Tajikistan will also look to Viktor Rassadin, Magomed Evloyev and other experienced wrestlers.

Athletes in kurash, wushu, karate and jiu-jitsu could also enter the medal race.

Tajikistan’s Asian Games record

The 2026 Games will be Tajikistan’s ninth Summer Asian Games. Since making its debut in Hiroshima in 1994, the country has won 35 medals — six gold, eight silver and 21 bronze.

Tajikistan won seven medals at each of the two most recent editions. At the Hangzhou Games, the country claimed two gold medals through judoka Somon Mahmadbekov and boxer Davlat Boltayev.

Tajikistan will now head to Japan with a mix of experienced athletes and young competitors, hoping to add to its medal tally at Asia’s largest multi-sport event.