Jordan's Zaid Kareem Triumphs in Taekwondo Men's -68kg Round of 16

In a thrilling encounter at the Grand Palais on August 8, 2024, Zaid Kareem from Jordan showcased his exceptional skills in the Men's -68kg Round of 16 taekwondo event. The match began at 12:10 PM local time and saw Kareem, seeded 6th, face off against Brazil's Edival Pontes, who was seeded 11th.

The first round set the tone for an intense match, with Kareem taking an early lead, scoring 4 points to Pontes’ 1. As the round progressed, both competitors exchanged blows, showcasing their agility and technique. By the end of the first round, Kareem was ahead with a score of 7 to 2.

Moving into the second round, Kareem maintained his momentum, scoring 6 points while conceding only 1, bringing his total to 13 points against Pontes’ 3. The Brazilian athlete fought valiantly but struggled to close the gap.

As the final round commenced, Kareem continued his dominant performance, securing 11 points to Pontes’ 3, finalizing the match with a decisive score of 20 to 6. This victory not only advanced Kareem to the next stage of the tournament but also showcased his potential as a strong contender for the gold medal in the Men's -68kg event.

The match officials included referee Stefan Raileanu from Moldova and judges Nichola White from Australia and Susana Boyd Diaz from Panama. The technical assistant was Ibrahim Issa Samsou from Niger, ensuring a fair and well-regulated competition.

Kareem's victory adds to Jordan's growing reputation in the world of taekwondo, as he continues to represent his nation on the Olympic stage. Fans eagerly anticipate his next match as he aims for Olympic glory in Paris 2024!