Taekwondo

Havana, May 15 (JIT) - The World Taekwondo Cadet Championship 2025, held in the United Arab Emirates, closed with a historic participation of more than 800 contestants.

Iran dominated the men's classification, while South Korea led the women's, consolidating its supremacy in the event.

On the final day, the gold medals were distributed among four countries. Russian athlete Nikolai Sychev stood out, who was crowned champion in the 41 kg category, beating Oman's Dawood Fahad Al-Yusufi, which marked a milestone with the first world medal in this sport for his country.

On the other hand, in the women's -37 kg, South Korea's Geunmi Lee shone with a resounding victory over Morocco's Khadija Amrani, while Iran's Parsa Houshyar secured the men's -57 kg title against Kazakhstan's Ayatzhan Amirkhanov.

In addition to the bouts, special awards were presented. Christopher Andre Astorga Melgar, from El Salvador, was named most valuable competitor, and Yoon Ju Oh, from South Korea, received the same recognition in the women's category.

Cuba was represented by Hailanid Sierra Viltres, who lost her first bout against Denmark's Angeli Chruszczy, but was pleased with her commitment in a very demanding confrontation.

The next major taekwondo event for cadets will be in Athens 2027.