Jordan and Iran make history in taekwondo

Thursday was a historic day in the taekwondo competition as Ahmad Abughaush won Jordan's first ever Games medal and Kimia Alizadeh claimed a first women's medal for Iran.

Abughaush beat Alexey Denisenko of Russia 10-6 to win the men's under-68kg division, while Alizadeh, wearing a head-covering under her protective helmet, claimed bronze in the under-57kg category by beating Nikita Glasnovic of Sweden 5-1.

Abughaush took a congratulatory phone call from the Jordanian royal family after his win and dedicated victory to the kingdom.

"It's an indescribable feeling to win the first medal in the history of Jordan in all the sports," he said.

"It's also a great feeling to listen to the national anthem of Jordan being played here in front of the whole world."

The women's under-57kg division saw Briton Jade Jones retain her Olympic crown, easily despatching Eva Calvo of Spain 16-7 in the final. Alizadeh said: "I am so happy for Iranian girls because it is the first medal and I hope at the next Olympics we will get a gold.

"I am very excited and I want to thank my parents and my coach. They really stand behind me and I am so happy to win a medal for them."

Great things have been expected of Alizadeh, who won the Youth Olympics two years ago and last year took bronze at the world championships, beating Jones along the way.