Iran wins women’s title at Taekwondo Fajr Open
Iranian women’s team picked up where it left off on Day 1 of the Taekwondo Fajr Open in Tehran by collecting another 11 medals, including three golds.
Tuesday’s results saw the Iranian girls lift the champion’s trophy – thanks to seven golds and silvers apiece, as well as 11 bronzes – with Armenia and Kazakhstan in the following spots respectively.
“A number of the national team members were absent in the event, but up-and-coming faces broke through and showcased their enthusiasm in some thrilling bouts,” Iran head coach Minoo Maddah said, adding: “There was little to separate the contestants and even high-profile participants like Nahid Kiani and Mobina Ne’matzadeh knew they couldn’t afford to underestimate any opponent.”
Reigning world champion Kiani, who has secured a berth at the Paris Olympics, headlined the Iranians’ campaign on Day 2, defeating Kazakhstan’s Mariya Sevostyanova for the -57kg gold, with Aida Khorshidi and Sara Mizban bagging double bronzes for the host.
“It was tough bout in the final but I’m here to prepare for the Olympics and fix my weak points,” said Kiani, adding she would also take part in the upcoming World Taekwondo President’s Cup as well as the Asian Taekwondo Clubs Championships, which will follow the Fajr Open in the Iranian capital until February 22.
Elsewhere, Maryam Malakoutikhah came out on top against Sogol Shiri in an all-Iranian -49kg final, while their compatriot Parimah Changi settled for a consolation bronze alongside Botakoz Kapanova of Kazakhstan.
Armenian Urganaeva Nina came out victorious against the host’s Yalda Valinejad to walk away with the gold in the -67kg contests before being awarded the MVP prize in the women’s competitions.
Iranian Fereshteh Fat’hi and Kazakhstan’s Kamila Aimukasheva shared the third podium of the weight class.
Nioush Shadlou rounded off a remarkable run for the Iranian girls by defeating teammate Zeinab Asadi in the +73kg final, and Hadis Eslamifard won a joint bronze along with Munira Abdusalomova of Tajikistan.
Ma’soumeh Ranjbar (-46kg), Ghazal Soltani (-53kg), Asma Sedaqat (-62kg), and Elham Haqiqi (-73kg) had made a clean sweep of four golds for Iran on the opening day of the competition’s 33rd edition, which will finish with the conclusion of the men’s event today in the Iranian capital’s Taekwondo House.