Paris, France, July 28, 2024: On the second day of competition at the Olympic judo tournament in Paris, we had all the ingredients that make an event stand out from the ordinary, reports the International Judo Federation.
In a packed venue and in a crazy atmosphere, the contests followed one another at a frantic pace throughout the morning block as well as during the final block.
In the women's -52kg category, how could we miss the stratospheric performance of Diyora Keldiyorova (UZB), coached by Marko Spittka, who had the perfect day to win a first Olympic title in the history of Uzbek judo for women and men. In a country that had no tradition of women's judo until recently, this is a magnificent feat that will inspire generations of young girls across the country.
Diyora Keldiyorova, 26, said: "To change the life of women in Uzbekistan is my mission.”
We had seen her gaining momentum for several years. After her world final in Abu Dhabi this year, Diyora Keldiyorova is now making history. On her way to the title, she allowed herself to eliminate the reigning champion, Uta Abe (JPN), and in the final, the Olympic champion in the -48kg category in Tokyo, Distria Krasniqi (KOS).
In the -66kg category, we were obviously expecting the performance of Hifumi Abe (JPN) who had come to seek his second Olympic title, in the French capital. Let's say it right away, there was not much suspense as Hifumi seemed to dominate the category.
Despite this undisputed success, we must not forget the performances of Willian Lima (BRA), a surprising silver medallist and the joyful bronze medals of Denis Vieru (Moldova) and Gusman Kyrgyzbayev (KAZ). For both of them, it is their first Olympic bronze medal.
It should also be noted that Kazakhstan won its second medal in two days with Kyrgyzbayev.
