The key facts
- Diyora Keldiyorova will compete at an international tournament for the first time in two years — the Aktau Asian Open 2026 in Aktau.
- She will compete in the up to 52 kg weight category, in which she won gold at the Paris Olympics.
- 25 judokas will represent Uzbekistan at the tournament; the competition ends on October 18.
Return after a break
On October 17, the Aktau Asian Open 2026 judo tournament begins in Aktau, Kazakhstan. Paris 2024 Olympic champion Diyora Keldiyorova will take part in it for the first time in two years. As reported by Kun.uz, she will step onto the tatami in her former weight category — up to 52 kg. Journalists call the athlete's return after the break one of the most notable events of the tournament for Uzbek judo fans.
Team roster and tournament format
Keldiyorova is not the only representative of Uzbekistan at the competition: according to sources, the country is represented by a total of 25 judokas competing for medals in various weight categories. The tournament will last two days and conclude on October 18. However, the published materials do not specify whom Keldiyorova will face in her first bout or what time her match will take place.
Context: recent team success
Daryo.uz recalls that on October 12, the Uzbekistan national team won bronze at the World Judo Championships held in Baku. In the preliminary round, the Uzbek athletes defeated the teams of Germany and Georgia, but lost to Russia's team 3:4 in the semifinal.
