Iranian taekwondo standout Abolfazl Zandi has claimed gold on the opening day of the World Under-21 Taekwondo Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, securing his second global title in just 35 days.

The championships launched at the Moi International Sports Centre on Wednesday, drawing 452 competitors from 75 nations.

Team Iran has entered the event with 16 athletes, including six women and eight men, set to compete over four days.

Zandi, who had recently won senior world gold, delivered a commanding performance in the Men’s -58 kg division.

After a first-round bye, he defeated challengers from India, Ecuador, and Mexico to reach the semifinals. There, he overpowered Brazilian contender Gabriel Fonseca and advanced to the final, where he beat Seyfula Magomedov of Russia in two straight rounds to seize the gold medal.

In the Women’s +73 kg category, Iranian fighter Sara Sofi opened with a comfortable win over Australian opponent Kim So-hyeon, but later fell in a grueling three-round contest to 2024 World silver medalist Naomi Alid of United States, ending her medal bid.

Another Iranian, Amir-Mohammad Ashrafi, impressed early in the Men’s +87 kg bracket, defeating an opponent from Lebanon and Krylo Lysytsyn, who competed under the flag of World Taekwondo. Ashrafi was ultimately stopped by Kazakhstan’s Keblan in the semifinals and finished with bronze.

Elsewhere, Under-21 competitor Rozhan Goudarzi of Iran withdrew from the Women’s -49 kg event after being drawn to face an opponent representing the Israeli regime.

Iran, therefore, ended Day One with one gold and one bronze.