Athletics remains one of the most challenging sports for Tajikistan on the international stage; however, in the World Athletics system today, there are several active Tajik athletes who are accumulating points and gradually establishing themselves in the global hierarchy.
Yes, there is still a long way to go to reach the elite level, but the foundation has already been laid — and this is an important signal ahead of the new Olympic cycle. Currently, a group of several Tajik athletes is featured in the World Athletics world ranking, competing in various disciplines — from sprinting to hurdle races and jumps.
The best performance among men is currently by Ildar Akhmadiev, who has scored 1083 points. He is versatile and competes in several disciplines — the 100 and 200 meters, as well as the long jump.
Following him closely is Favoris Muzrapov — one of the most recognizable Tajik athletes in recent years. He has 1035 points and specializes in sprinting, primarily in the 100-meter distance. Among the closest contenders is Muhammadrizo Mirzozoda, a hurdler competing in the 400-meter hurdles. His score is 1018 points.
Also in the ranking are Leonid Pronzenko (61 points), who combines sprinting and hurdle running, and Salim Saidaliev (29 points), who competes in jumping disciplines — high jump and triple jump.
Among women, the top position among Tajik athletes is held by Kristina Pronzenko with 952 points. She competes in the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles and remains the most experienced representative of the country in the ranking.
Close to her is young Diana Abdulloeva, who has 930 points. She specializes in the 400-meter distance and is gradually establishing herself in the international system.
What do these numbers mean
It is important to understand that the points themselves are not just statistics, but a reflection of the athlete’s level. The World Athletics ranking is formed based on results, tournament levels, and performance stability. The range of 900-1100 points, in which all Tajik athletes are situated, indicates the level of regular participants in international competitions. This is no longer a local level, but it is not elite either.
By comparison, athletes in the top 100 in the world typically have more than 1200-1300 points, while finalists in the Olympic Games and World Championships score even higher.
The reasons for this situation lie not only in the level of the athletes but also in the system. Athletics requires regular participation in international tournaments where points can be scored and rankings improved. Tajikistan currently lacks a sufficient number of such events and depth in its roster. In fact, the country is represented by a small group of athletes, and any injury or drop in form immediately impacts the overall level.
Moreover, competition in athletics is much higher than in several other sports. Countries with strong infrastructure, a long history of training, and a large number of athletes dominate here.
Is there progress?
If previously Tajikistan was hardly represented in the rankings, now there are several athletes who regularly compete and maintain their presence in the World Athletics system. This means that the country is gradually building a foundation upon which further growth can be constructed.
Against the backdrop of preparation for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the situation appears to be mixed. On one hand, none of the Tajik athletes are currently in the direct qualification zone. On the other hand, the very ranking system provides a chance with the right strategy.
If the athletes manage to improve their results and reach at least the range of 1100-1200 points, this would bring them closer to competing for licenses.
How is the ranking calculated?
World Athletics manages the global ranking of athletes in athletics. The goal of the ranking is to identify the best athletes in each discipline as well as partially determine qualification for the World Athletics Championships and the Summer Olympics.
The ranking is based on the average of the athlete’s best results over a 12-month ranking period or an 18-month period for combined events and races at distances of 10,000 meters and more.
Each performance of an athlete is assigned a “performance score,” which consists of a “result score” and a “placement score.” The result score is based on the athlete’s best result in the final of the event and is calculated using the World Athletics scoring table. The placement score takes into account the athlete’s final position in that competition and the category of the competition, with more points awarded for placement in more prestigious and competitive events.
The number of best performances considered for obtaining ranking points depends on the sport: five performances for field events and events at distances of 1500 meters or less, three for obstacle races at 3000 meters, 5000 meters, 20-kilometer race walking, and road races (half marathon or 10 km), and two for 10,000 meters, decathlon, heptathlon, marathon, and 50-kilometer race walking.
Athletes receive additional points if they break or match a world record in their main event or a similar event: 20 points for a new record in the main event, 10 points for matching a record in the main event or a new record in a similar event, and 5 points for matching a world record in a similar event.
Additional adjustments to the performance evaluation can be made considering wind conditions and course conditions, as well as the date of the performance.
