Saei to represent Iran in Beijing Olympic Games

The Technical Committee of the Iranian Taekwondo Federation made the final decision Thursday morning.

"Saei and Naderian have been selected to attend the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in the under-80 kg and under-58 kg categories respectively," the coach of Iran's Taekwondo team, Reza Mehmandoust, told reporters on Thursday.

Saei, was scheduled to compete with Yusef Karami, in three games, to get the Olympic qualification. Of the first two fights each athlete came out as the winner once two weeks ago.

The decisive fight scheduled for Thursday was cancelled due to Saei's injury, however ITF named him as Iran's representative to the Olympics.

The Iranian athlete has been World Champion in the Taekwondo World Championships 7 times and was recently awarded the title of 'Best Taekwondo fighter of all Time' by the International Board.

This is the third time Saei will participate in the Olympic Games. He won the bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and snatched the gold at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.