French judoka Walide Khyar has withdrawn from the upcoming World Judo Championships in Baku due to a right-shoulder injury, opening the door for 20-year-old Kelvin Ray to make his senior global debut in the under-66kg category. The French Judo Federation confirmed the roster change, noting that the 31-year-old Khyar requires extended recovery time following an abrupt exit from the Lausanne Grand Slam.
Shoulder Injury Sidelines Khyar Ahead of Baku Worlds
The absence of Walide Khyar deals a significant blow to the French judo delegation ahead of the championships scheduled for October 4–11. Khyar suffered the injury to his right shoulder on August 28 during the opening round of the Grand Slam in Lausanne. Facing Japan’s Kairi Kentoku, the 2023 world bronze medalist was forced to withdraw from the tournament following a fall triggered by an evasive maneuver.
Nearly a month after the incident, medical evaluations confirmed that Khyar remains unfit to return to the tatami. The national federation verified his withdrawal, emphasizing that the veteran competitor needs further medical care and rehabilitation before resuming high-level competition. Khyar will watch the Baku tournament from France as he focuses on his recovery.
Kelvin Ray Steps Up for Senior Global Debut
With Khyar sidelined, coaching staff selected Kelvin Ray to represent France in the under-66kg division. At just 20 years old, the Paris-born judoka earns his first senior world championship selection after transitioning to the under-66kg weight class roughly a year ago. Ray immediately announced his domestic arrival by capturing the senior French national title in his new division during his first outing.
The young competitor subsequently transitioned onto the international circuit, building momentum with strong finishes. Ray secured a bronze medal at the Qingdao Grand Prix in June before taking fifth place at the Hungary Grand Slam in mid-September. The French Judo Federation highlighted these results as direct validation of the progress and hard work shown by the athlete over recent months.
Tournament Schedule and Wider Roster Context
Ray is scheduled to compete on Monday, October 5, during the second day of competition at the Baku championships. He joins compatriot Daikii Bouba in the under-66kg category for the French delegation in Azerbaijan, giving the squad youthful depth as they compete in the international field.
The adjustment in the lightweight division mirrors broader roster challenges for French judo. The national team also enters the world championships without heavyweight star Teddy Riner, who remains sidelined as he continues his own recovery from a right-shoulder injury. For Ray, the Baku tournament serves as a foundational step to measure himself against the world’s senior elite.
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