Cheick Sallah Cisse Dominates in Men’s +80kg Taekwondo Round of 16

In an exhilarating showdown at the Grand Palais during the 2024 Olympics, Cheick Sallah Cisse of Côte d'Ivoire showcased his exceptional skills in the Men’s +80kg Taekwondo Round of 16. The match took place on August 10, 2024, where Cisse, the top seed, faced off against the Refugee Olympic Team's Kasra Mehdipournejad.

The contest began with high energy as both athletes entered the ring, but it was Cisse who quickly established dominance. In the first round, Cisse scored a total of 6 points while Mehdipournejad struggled to find his rhythm, managing only 1 point. The round concluded with a score of 6-1 in favor of Cisse.

As the second round commenced, Cisse continued his onslaught, displaying a combination of speed, technique, and tactical prowess. By the end of the second round, he had further extended his lead, finishing with a total of 13 points against Mehdipournejad’s 2 points. Cisse's victory was sealed with a final score of 13-2, securing his advancement to the quarter-finals.

This match was not only a testament to Cisse's hard work and dedication leading up to the Olympics but also highlighted the spirit of competition and sportsmanship prevalent in the Olympic Games. The officials were on hand to ensure fair play, with Marcelo Rezende from Brazil serving as the referee and judges from Venezuela, Ukraine, and Russia overseeing the match.

With this significant win, Cisse has once again proven himself as a formidable contender in Taekwondo, and fans eagerly await his next performance as he aims for Olympic gold.