DUSHANBE, December 30, Asia-Plus  -- On December 29, President Emomali Rahmon received more than 30 Tajik athletes, who are prize winners of various international sports events, presidential pres service said.

Speaking at the meeting that was held in a free and easy atmosphere, President Rahmon noted that since the time when Tajikistan gained independence, 30 Tajik athletes have won the title of champion of the world, while during the Soviet time only 10 Tajik athletes had won such title.  

“In 2007 alone, Tajik athletes won 180 medals, including 56 gold, 48 silver and 76 bronze medals in various international competitions, which is 54 medals more than in 2006,” the president said.   

            Calling on the athletes to develop their skills, the Tajik head of sate said that he would take Tajik national junior soccer team under his patronage.  

            According to him, the government is paying special attention to development of sports and involvement of more people in physical training as well as development of generality of sports in the country.  Over the last three years alone, financing of sports has quadrupled and many new sports facilities have been constructed in the country, the president said.   

            Rahmon expressed hope that Tajik athletes would show good results in the Beijing Olympic Games and other regional and international competitions that would be held in 2008.