Iran taekwondo athlete claims gold in Gwangju Universiade

Iranian taekwondo practitioner Omid Amidi has put a spectacular performance on display at the 28th edition of Universiade in South Korea’s southwestern city of Gwangju, and collected a gold medal to add to the Islamic Republic’s medal tally at the international sports event.

On Sunday, the 23-year-old Iranian athlete stood atop in the minus 87-kilogram category by defeating In Kyo Don, a representative from the host nation, 4-3 at the Chosun University Gymnasium.

The Iranian fighter had defeated his Ivorian opponent Seydou Gbane (5-2) in his first encounter, before beating Mexico’s Jorge Villalon Hernandez (24-3) in the next.

Amidi then overwhelmed Turkish rival Ensar Uguz 14-2 in the semi-finals, and booked the berth for the final contest.

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Universiade team has been awarded a total of 15 medals – seven gold, two silver and six bronzes – at the 2015 Summer Universiade, and currently stands in the 8th place of the tournament.

South Korea leads the standings with 94 medals - 41 golds. Russia is in the second slot with 109 medals, among them 31 golds. Chinese athletes rank third, having won 31 golds and 64 medals in total.

The 28th edition of Universiade opened in Gwangju on July 3, and will wrap up on July 14.

Iranians athletes are vying for medals in artistic gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, taekwondo, shooting, archery, athletics and rowing.

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