Ulugbek Rashitov of Uzbekistan has successfully defended his Olympic gold medal in the men’s 68kg taekwondo category at the Paris Olympics, marking a significant achievement in his already illustrious career. The 22-year-old athlete, who first claimed Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games, showcased his skill and determination by defeating Jordan’s Zaid Kareem 2-0 in the final match.
Rashitov Retains -68kg Gold
Rashitov entered the Paris Olympics as the top seed, a position he earned through consistent performance and hard work. His journey to the final was nothing short of spectacular, with victories over top competitors such as Lo Wai Fung from Hong Kong, China, Liang Yushuai of China, and Spain’s Javier Perez Polo. Each match tested his abilities, but Rashitov remained composed and focused, ultimately securing his place in the history books as a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
The competition was fierce, with many top athletes vying for a place on the podium. China’s Liang Yushuai, who faced Rashitov in an earlier round, secured a bronze medal after Britain’s Bradly Sinden, the second seed, withdrew from the bronze medal match due to an injury. Brazil’s Edival Pontes also earned a bronze, adding to his nation’s success at the Games.
Reflecting on his back-to-back Olympic victories, Rashitov expressed the increased difficulty of defending his title. “Winning in Tokyo was a dream come true, but defending my title in Paris was even tougher. I had to push myself harder, stay focused, and most importantly, believe in myself. This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into this sport,” Rashitov said. He also hinted at future aspirations, promising to continue striving for excellence.
In the women’s 57kg division, South Korea’s Kim Yu-jin made her Olympic debut unforgettable by winning the gold medal. The 23-year-old athlete defeated Turkey’s Hatice Kubra Ilgun, Canada’s Skylar Park, and China’s top-seeded Luo Zongshi in earlier rounds before securing a 2-0 victory in the final against Iran’s Nahid Kiyanichandeh. This win marked South Korea’s second taekwondo gold at the Paris Games.
The taekwondo competition at the Paris Olympics began on Wednesday and will continue through August 10. Upcoming events include the men’s 80kg and women’s 67kg divisions, with more athletes set to compete for Olympic glory.