Yasmin Nasr Emgewily of Egypt will be remembered as the the first Olympic champion in the history of Karate. At the end of the first day of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held in Buenos Aires, three athletes from different nations were crowned.
By Ludovic Mauchien / Photo : KPhotos
History will remember (perhaps) that it is Egypt’s Yasmin Nasr Emgewily (-53 kg) who became the first Olympic champion in the history of Karate. After 2 wins and 1 draw in the preliminary rounds (a pool of 4 athletes, the two first ones qualified for the semi-finals), she beat Khonakdartarsi of Iran in the ½ final (5-0) before winning Tahata of Japan in the final (2-1).
The -59 kg division allows Japan to save its honor. After winning her 3 bouts, Kokoro Sakaji beat Heydariozomcheloei of Iran in the ½ final (0-0) and then Chernysheva of Russia in the final (3-0).
In the -61 kg male category, Mohammed Ayed Al Assiri of Saudi Arabia won 2 matches and made one draw to get to the ½ final. He then beat Edari of Morocco (2-0) before dominating Japan’s Yamaoka in the final (8-0).
The competition continues today with the with the -68 kg men and +59 kg and +68 kg women’s category.
Podiums
Male
-61 kg
- Al Assiri (Ksa)
- Yamaoka (Jap)
- Edari (Mar) and Veseli (Mkd)
Female
-53 kg
- Nasr Emgewily (Egy)
- Tahata (Jap)
- Khonakdartarsi (Iri) and Alikulova (Ouz)
-59 kg
- Sakaji (Jap)
- Chernysheva (Rus)
- Heydariozomcheloei (Iri) and Perovic
Today (Thursday 18)
Female : +59 kg, +68 kg
Male : -68 kg
