Ukrainian sports figures received state awards on the occasion of Independence Day. The head of state noted the best athletes and coaches of the state.

This was reported by the press service of the Office of the President.

The Order of Merit, 1st class, was awarded to world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated former champion Anthony Joshua in a rematch and defended the belts he owned, as well as Igor Lyubchenko, champion of the 2022 World Games in Thai boxing.

The list also included Olympic medalist Alexander Abramenko and his coach Enver Ablaev.. They were awarded the Order of Merit, II degree. The same award was given to Andrey Protsenko, World Championships medalist in athletics, and Vladimir Rysev, champion of the 2022 World Games in powerlifting..

The Order of Merit of the 3rd degree was awarded to 11 athletes who represented Ukraine at the 2022 World Games at once: powerlifting champion Oleksiy Bychkov, diving champion Sofia Grechko, sumo champion Vazha Daiuri, sports champions Taisiya Marchenko, Bogdan Pogranichny, Daniil Stetsyuk.

The Order of Princess Olga of the 1st degree was awarded to Ukrainian karatekas Anita Seregina and Anzhelika Terlyuga. Also, Ivanna Berezovskaya, champion of the 2022 World Games with a bag, was awarded the Order of Princess Olga II degree..