Diyora Keldiyorova Triumphs in Women’s -52 kg Judo Semifinal

In an exhilarating semifinal match at the 2024 Olympics held at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Uzbekistan's Diyora Keldiyorova faced off against Amandine Buchard of France in the Women -52 kg category. The bout took place on July 28, 2024, and lasted for a total of 4 minutes. Keldiyorova showcased her exceptional judo skills and strategy, utilizing the Seoi-nage technique effectively to secure victory.

Keldiyorova entered the match as the top-ranked judoka in the world, weighing in at 51.7 kg. She had previously secured a second-place finish at the World Judo Championships in Doha 2023, making her a formidable opponent. On the other hand, Buchard, ranked fourth in the world and weighing slightly more at 51.9 kg, was looking to upset the odds and claim a spot in the finals.

The match began with both athletes demonstrating their agility and tactical prowess. Keldiyorova quickly took control, scoring a Waza-ari at 2:31 with a perfectly executed Seoi-nage, setting the tone for the contest. However, the match was not without its challenges; Keldiyorova received two penalties during the bout, which added some tension to the atmosphere. Despite this, she remained focused and managed to maintain her lead.

As the clock wound down, Keldiyorova’s experience and composure shone through, ultimately leading her to a 2-0 victory in terms of scoring points. Buchard fought valiantly but was unable to turn the tide, resulting in her elimination from the competition.

With this victory, Diyora Keldiyorova has secured her place in the finals, where she will compete for the gold medal. The judo community and fans worldwide eagerly await her next challenge, hoping to see her bring home the gold for Uzbekistan.