Astorga Melgar Makes History As El Salvador's First Kyorugi World Champion At 2025 Championships

Christopher Andre Astorga Melgar made history for El Salvador by becoming the nation's first Kyorugi world champion at any age level. He achieved this feat during the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Fujairah. In a thrilling M -49kg final, Astorga Melgar faced Türkiye’s Yunus Ali Körpe at the Zayed Sports Complex, with two of the three rounds being decided in the last moments.

The initial round ended 12-12, but Astorga Melgar secured it with crucial late points. Körpe dominated the second round, winning 20-7, which led to a decisive third round. Despite Körpe's lead for most of this round, Astorga Melgar finished strongly to claim an emotional gold medal victory.

In earlier matches, Astorga Melgar defeated Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) Ivan Pakhomov in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Körpe advanced by overcoming Joshua Sosimo Rojas, who competed under the World Taekwondo flag.

Thailand’s Paramee Chomphuwong showcased his prowess in the M -33kg category by winning gold against AIN Amirali Kadyrov. Chomphuwong outperformed his opponent with scores of 12-6 and 16-3 across two rounds, maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the day.

Anakin Quang from France was defeated by Chomphuwong in the semi-finals but shared third place on the podium with Mexico's Diego Refugio Gallo Orozco. In another event, AIN Dinara Sheripova claimed victory over Serbia's Nadja Babic in the W -33kg final.

Women's Division Victories

Sheripova won her final match with scores of 5-2 and 10-6 after defeating Thailand’s Thipanan Iemsa-Ard in the semi-finals. Babic reached the final by overcoming Egypt’s Jana Yousry Omar Mohamed despite losing her first round.

Shao Yen Wu from Chinese Taipei secured a narrow win in the W -55kg final against Iran’s Dorsa Veisi. Both rounds concluded with a score of 3-2 in Wu's favour. Renata Hernandez from Mexico and Berfin Avci from Türkiye earned bronze medals after reaching the semi-finals.

Upcoming Competitions

The World Taekwondo Cadet Championships will continue until Wednesday, May 14. The upcoming events will feature competitions in categories such as M -45kg, M +65kg, W -47kg, and W -51kg.

This championship has already witnessed remarkable performances and promises more exciting contests as it progresses towards its conclusion.

With inputs from WAM