Iranian Olympian left unconscious in karate wins gold after opponent is disqualified



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An Iranian Olympian who was unconscious during a karate match won the gold medal after his opponent was disqualified.

Iranian Sajad Ganjzadeh won kumite karate competition in the men’s weight class of 75 kilograms on Saturday, according to the official Olympics website.

Saudi Arabia’s Tareg Hamedi won the silver medal.

Ganjzadeh, 29, trailed his opponent 4-1 in the game and fell after Hamedi kicked him in the head.

The judges disqualified Hamedi for committing a serious offense, called hansoku. The judges did not explain why Hamedi was disqualified, but according to The Associated Press, in the Olympic version of karate, competitors are not expected to follow through on their strikes.

Ganjzadeh told reporters he learned of his gold medal when he woke up backstage in the medical room, according to the Olympics recap.

“The last thing I remember was I was behind in scores, then this incident happened and I don’t remember much after that, and what I do remember is is that in the medical room, I woke up and heard from the coach that I won the game. I am very happy that I got this gold medal, but I am sad that it must have happened like this, ”Ganjzadeh said.

The Tokyo Games marked the Olympic debut of the sport. According to World Karate FederationSaturday was the last day of competition and featured athletes in the women’s over 60 kilogram category.



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