Diyora Keldiyorova made history as Uzbekistan’s first judo Olympic champion, winning gold in the -52kg category at Paris 2024. She achieved a stunning upset over Tokyo 2020 champion Abe Uta in the preliminaries. Keldiyorova’s victory is significant as she is also the first female judo medallist for her country. Other notable performances included Kosovo’s Distria Krasniqi with silver and bronze winners Larissa Pimenta and Amandine Buchard.
On July 28, 2024, Diyora Keldiyorova made history by winning Uzbekistan’s first-ever judo gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Competing in the -52kg weight class, her impressive victory came early in the preliminaries when she defeated Japan’s Abe Uta, the reigning -52kg Olympic champion and four-time world champion, marking a notable upset in the tournament.
Keldiyorova’s gold medal represents a significant milestone for Uzbekistan, as she is the first female judo medallist and the nation’s inaugural Olympic judo champion. Expressing her emotions, she stated, “It’s an amazing feeling — the first gold medal for Uzbekistan, and also from a woman. I’m so happy.” Her victory demonstrates not just personal achievement but also breaks new ground for women in Uzbek athletics.
In the same competition, Kosovo’s Distria Krasniqi, who was the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion in the -48kg category, secured the silver medal after moving up to -52kg. Brazil’s Larissa Pimenta claimed bronze after a tactical win against Italy’s Odette Giuffrida, while French judoka Amandine Buchard captured another bronze for the host nation, bringing the audience to an excited response at the Champ du Mars Arena.
Buchard reflected on her performance, stating, “After a day like today, it wasn’t possible for me to finish without a medal. So I gave it my best for myself, my people and the ones cheering for me.” This illustrates the competitive spirit and motivation among the athletes at these prestigious Olympic Games.
In summary, Keldiyorova’s victory stands out not only for its historical significance but also for the competitive nature of the event, with past champions like Krasniqi and Buchard delivering strong performances. This event underlined the evolution of women in judo on an international platform, showcasing talent from diverse nations and inspiring future generations.
The Paris 2024 Olympics showcased numerous sporting events, with judo being one of the highlights. The judo competition included categories for different weights, attracting elite athletes worldwide. Uzbekistan’s participation in judo has been minimal; thus, Keldiyorova’s win is particularly noteworthy. Her defeat of established champions indicates the growing competitiveness in women’s judo and the potential for emerging nations to excel on the global stage. The Olympics serve as a key international platform for athletes, particularly in individual sports like judo, where personal skill and strategy significantly influence outcomes. The recognition of female athletes at the Olympic level has gained momentum, showcasing their abilities and achievements in sports traditionally dominated by men, promoting gender equality.
Diyora Keldiyorova’s groundbreaking gold medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics establishes her as a pioneer for women in Uzbek judo history. Her victory, especially over reigning champions, underscores the evolution of women’s sports and competitive judo on a global scale. The event not only elevates her personal legacy but also empowers and inspires other female athletes in Uzbekistan and beyond.
Original Source: www.olympics.com