The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, met with the athletes of the Ukrainian Deaflympic team, who achieved an impressive total of 100 medals – the highest number among all teams at the XXV Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo. He awarded them state honors.

“You triumph every day, overcoming challenges, doubts, and fears. Alongside this, you achieve success, showcasing real accomplishments on the sports stage, proving to the world that Ukrainians are a nation that knows how to win. Your incredible results at the Deaflympics in Tokyo testify to this,” stated the Head of State.

The President congratulated the athletes on their victory and expressed gratitude on behalf of all Ukrainians to the Deaflympians and their coaches.

“This is a joy for the entire country in such difficult times when these results and victories are greatly needed. You not only demonstrate our willpower but also remind the world about this war, about how Ukraine lives and fights. You fight for life, you fight for a dignified peace,” emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Head of State awarded the athletes with orders of “For Merits” of I–III degrees and the Order of Princess Olga of I–III degrees.

Additionally, Volodymyr Zelensky presented awards to the Deaflympic team coaches – orders of “For Merits” of I–III degrees and the Order of Princess Olga of II and III degrees, as well as conferred the honorary title of “Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine.”

At the XXV Summer Deaflympics, the Ukrainian team, consisting of 174 athletes, won 32 gold, 39 silver, and 29 bronze medals. As a result, the Ukrainian team took first place among 81 countries in terms of both gold medals and total medals awarded. Nine Ukrainian athletes set eight world records and 12 Deaflympic records.