Diyora Keldiyorova returns to the tatami: Is a major comeback near?

Diyora Keldiyorova, who had not competed since the Paris Olympics, has taken an important step toward returning to elite sport. The Olympic champion is training alongside the world's top judokas at an international training camp in Izola, Slovenia.

It is not yet known which competition will mark her return to the tatami. However, her move from individual sessions to a group camp shows that the comeback process after a long break has entered a new phase.

On the tatami with the stars of world judo

The camp in Izola features high-level judokas from various countries. Such training allows athletes to test techniques, spar with opponents who have different styles and prepare in conditions close to the pace of competition.

The camp is particularly important for Uzbekistan's team leader. Keldiyorova was absent from official contests for a long time, so she now needs to restore not only her physical condition but also her competitive rhythm on the tatami.

Diyora won the women's −52 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first Olympic champion in the history of women's judo in Uzbekistan.

From individual training to a full team camp

After the Paris Olympics, Keldiyorova had a child and returned to training after a break of nearly two years. At first, she prepared under an individual program rather than rushing to join the national team's camps.

In April, the athlete confirmed that she was returning to elite sport, but said she could not yet name her first competition with certainty.

“If I can regain my sporting form, I may try to compete at the Asian Games. If I do not make it in time, I intend to take part in a competition after that,” Keldiyorova said.

Her participation in group sessions at an international camp now indicates that her training plan is progressing consistently. However, this does not yet mean that the athlete will definitely compete at one of the upcoming events.

Two major competitions lie ahead

Two major events stand out for Keldiyorova on the 2026 calendar.

The 20th Summer Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4 in Japan's Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya. Judo is also included in the competition program.

Shortly afterward, the World Judo Championships will take place in Baku from October 4 to 11. Individual events are scheduled for October 4–10, followed by the mixed team competition on October 11.

The calendar is extremely packed. Therefore, the choice of competition will depend on the athlete's physical condition, the coaches' decision and her recovery process.

A task more important than the first start

Returning to competition as an Olympic champion places considerable pressure on any athlete. It would be unreasonable to expect Keldiyorova to reproduce her previous results in her very first bout.

The main task now is to return to the tatami in good health, gradually rebuild her competition experience and lay a solid foundation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.

The camp in Izola is more than just an ordinary training session on this journey. It may be one of the clearest signs that a new chapter in Diyora Keldiyorova's career is beginning. Share your opinion in the comments and send the article to sports fans on Telegram or other social networks!