August 21, 2008	Thursday	Sha'aban 18, 1429

BEIJING, Aug 20: Rohullah Nikpai won Afghanistan’s first medal at an Olympics on Wednesday, upsetting world flyweight champion Juan Antonio Ramos of Spain to take bronze in the men’s 58-kg taekwondo category.

Mexico’s Guillermo Perez triumphed over Yulis Gabriel Mercedes of the Dominican Republic in a dramatic final to win gold in Beijing.

Many Afghans were not immediately aware of Nikpai’s win because power is intermittent and only some households have access to cable television in the strife-plagued country.

But a live broadcast of the bout was relayed by a private television station and dozens of people who managed to watch phoned in after Nikpai’s victory.

“It’s a time of big celebrations for all of us. I’m so happy that despite the war, lack of sports facilities and training Nikpai managed to secure a medal,” shopkeeper Khair Mohammad said.

Afghanistan was suspended from the Olympic movement in 1999 because the-then ruling Taliban was not internationally recognised and did not allow the participation of female athletes. The country missed Sydney 2000 but was allowed to compete in Athens 2004 when it did send female athletes.

In his bronze medal bout, Nikpai stayed cool and grew in confidence, playing off a supportive crowd and burying the Spaniard in the third round.

He fell to his knees after the referee called time and wept after embracing his coaches.

The head of a local welfare organisation had already promised rewards for Afghan medal winners, with $10,000 for a bronze.

Afghanistan’s previous best finish was a fifth place in wrestling at the Tokyo Games in 1964.

“I did not watch the game, but heard about it,” said Taj Mohammad Ahmazada, head of archives at Afghan National Radio.—Reuters