St. Petersburg governor awards Khayrullo Ibodullayev (video)

St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov has awarded Uzbek national Khayrullo Ibodullayev, who rescued a child that fell from a window on Petrozavodskaya Street. The city administration’s press service reported the award ceremony on February 24.

Ibodullayev received the “For Bravery in Rescue” badge and a commemorative watch from the governor.

“I would like to express my gratitude for what you have done — this is true courage. You did not think about yourself. You were injured, but you saved the life of a seven-year-old child. Our entire city thanks you. Such kindness is never forgotten. Your family is proud of you,” the governor said.

The incident occurred on February 22 on Petrozavodskaya Street in St. Petersburg. The child had been playing near an open window, slipped, and was left hanging from the cornice. A courtyard janitor noticed the situation. When the child lost his grip and was about to fall, Ibodullayev caught him with his hands. The child is currently in serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit.

The man’s bravery was also recognized in Uzbekistan: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded him the “Jasorat” medal. In addition, Ibodullayev became a laureate of the Tigran Keosayan Prize and received a cash award of one million rubles. He reportedly sent the money to his daughters and his ailing father in Uzbekistan.