WANA (August 08) – Iran participated in three sports with six athletes on the twelfth day of the 2024 Paris Olympics, successfully earning two medals.

 

In a thrilling final match in the men’s 97 kg wrestling category, Mohammad Hadi Saravi faced off against Armenia’s Artur Aleksanyan, securing a 4-1 victory and clinching the gold medal.

 

Saravi’s journey to the top began with a decisive 10-1 win over Joseph Rau of the USA in the first round. He continued his dominance by defeating Uzur Dzhuzupbekov of Kyrgyzstan 8-0 in the subsequent round, earning a spot in the semifinals.

 

In the semifinal match, Saravi overpowered Egypt’s Mohamed Jaber with a 6-0 victory, advancing to the finals. On Wednesday night, Saravi met the world and Olympic champion Artur Aleksanyan of Armenia in the final bout. With a solid 4-1 win, Saravi not only claimed the gold medal but also brought home the first gold for Iran’s team.

 

Also, Nineteen-year-old Iranian taekwondo athlete Mobina Ne’matzadeh competed for the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, facing Saudi Arabia’s representative. Ne’matzadeh emerged victorious, securing the bronze medal.

 

Competing in the under-49 kg weight category, Ne’matzadeh triumphed over Saudi Arabia’s Dania Abutaleb in two rounds. The results were as follows:

– Round 1: 3-0
– Round 2: 4-1

 

Abutaleb, who previously won the bronze at the 2022 World Championships and gold at the 2024 Asian Championships, was a formidable opponent. Ne’matzadeh’s victory marks the second Olympic medal in women’s taekwondo for Iran, following Kimia Alizadeh’s bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics.