Taekwondo: Rohullah Nikpai, Afghanistan

BEIJING – In Rohullah Nikpai’s war-torn country, fighting is a part of life. Living in tough conditions is a given. Training for the Olympics is a luxury few can afford, or even imagine.

But Nikpai has proven it can be done: On Wednesday he won Afghanistan’s first Olympic medal.

“I hope this will send a message of peace to my country after 30 years of war,” Nikpai said after winning the bronze in the men’s under 58-kilogram taekwondo event.

The victory brought immediate congratulations from President Hamid Karzai.

For his accomplishment, Nikpai will be given a house at the government’s expense, Humayun Hamidzada said.

Nikpai, he said, serves as a “role model for many other Afghans.”

Back home, the news sparked applause, wide smiles and laughter around the country.

Nikpai’s accomplishment led all of Afghanistan’s evening newscasts.

Associated Press