The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 were an extraordinary occasion for athletes with and without intellectual disability to prove their skills on a global stage and bring home precious medals. However, for four cross-country skiers from Tajikistan these Games were proof that nothing is impossible if you pursue your dreams with determination, self-confidence, and have the support of friends.
Nasibakhon Mahmadova (35), Farishtajon Merganova (17), Ravshan Yatimov (16) and Mehrobiddin Hafizov (21) competed in the Cross-Country skiing competition in Pragelato during the World Winter Games and brought home a total of three gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
“I am proud of having won a gold medal for Tajikistan in Italy,” commented Nasibakhon Mahmadova, who reached the highest step of the podium in the 50m race. “These Games were a real celebration. Go Tajikistan!”
However, the team’s journey to Turin 2025 has been anything but smooth.
Despite being based in different cities around the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, these four champions trained as one team since day one, bound by their passion for sport and the pride of representing their country on the world stage. Ever since the invitation to Turin came, the training became even more focused and intense.
“From the very beginning, we faced major difficulties,” explained Erkinzhon Latypov, National Director of Special Olympics Tajikistan and Head of the Tajik delegation at the World Games.
“Winter sports are not widely developed in Tajikistan and training required tremendous effort. When there was no snow, we practised balance and classic skiing techniques on roller skis and when winter came, we trained in the mountains, pushing through harsh weather conditions and the limited availability of proper sports equipment.”
Despite the commitment of these wonderful athletes and their inspiring determination to give their best on the world stage, the challenge of getting the proper equipment for competition right before their departure for Turin, almost prevented them from participating.
In true Special Olympics spirit, a helping hand was extended to ensure that all of their hard work was not in vain.
Elisa Grill, coach of Special Olympics Italy Cross-Country Skiing team at the World Games and technical staff at the competition, learned about the challenges of the Special Olympics Tajikistan delegation. She immediately rallied the families and friends of her team who quickly found the equipment necessary to allow these four athletes to compete.
“I didn’t hesitate a minute [to jump to the rescue]” commented Elisa, who found that everyone who heard the story was eager to help which, in turn, made it relatively easy to find the equipment required: “when you work in a team and trust one another, everything is possible”.
The Special Olympics Tajikistan team went on to give a stellar performance on the field in Pragelato, and Elisa even had a chance to award one of the athletes with her gold medal.
“I burst into tears on the award stage and we gave each other the most heartwarming hug,” she recalled. “[The Tajik team and I] felt a mutual understanding from the moment they arrived and every day we shared tears of joy. It was a truly unique experience.”
The generosity and determination of Elisa and her local team allowed Special Olympics Tajikistan to compete in the Winter World Games Turin 2025, but the team gained a lot more than their impressive six medals.
“These Games taught us that obstacles exist to be overcome and that the support and faith of others can change lives,” concluded Erkinzhon.
“Every team member will return home with a new understanding of their own potential and capacity [and] we want to bring this experience into our everyday life.
We dream of more people with intellectual disabilities in Tajikistan getting involved in sports and discovering their full potential. The World Winter Games will become the beginning of a new chapter!”
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