KABUL - Afghanistan’s hero Roohullah Nikpai overpowered his British rival in the semifinal of the London Olympics taekwondo event and won the bronze medal for his war-plagued country.
"Of course, winning a medal is very important to all the countries in the world, but it has special significance for Afghanistan," Nikpai said after beating Martin Stamper 5-3. He also defeated David Boui of the Central African Republic 14-2.

The 25-year-old was shocked in men's featherweight 58-68kg quarter-finals by Mohammad Bagheri Motamed of neighboring in the golden round. Hours earlier, the fighter -- living up to his reputation -- won his first Olympic bout.

Sparking a wave of jubilation among Afghans, he downed his Polish opponent Michael Loniewski 15-12. Having precious experience and special preparations, the Hazara athlete was Afghanistan’s key contender in the taekwondo discipline.

The player won Afghanistan’s first medal at the Beijing Olympics in August 2008, when he stunned world flyweight champion Juan Antonio Ramos of Spain to take bronze in men’s 58-kg category.

Meanwhile, President Hamid Karzai greeted the athlete on bringing home the laurels and said Afghan sportspeople had proved in recent years that they were second to none in terms of skills and commitment. (Pajhwok)