DOHA 2006 – WHEN JORDAN FINALLY STRUCK GOLD

It was a long time coming, but when it did it was celebrated across the Kingdom. The year was 2006, the venue was Doha and the history making athlete was Mohammad Al Bakheet who won Jordan’s first ever gold medal at an Asian Games.

The Taekwondo champion became an instant celebrity and remembers his success as if it was yesterday.

“It was an unforgettable moment when I clinched that gold,” he said. “That year, I also won the World Youth gold, but nothing compared to winning the Asian Games gold. I still have that moment very fresh in my mind.”

Jordan took a delegation of 98 athletes to the 15th Asian Games in Doha and competed in 13 sports including Football, Gymnastics, Athletics, Taekwondo, Basketball, Bodybuilding, Billiards, Equestrian, Wrestling, Chess and Karate.

Al Bakheet wasn’t alone in winning a medal.

Yahiya Abu Tabeekh (Wrestling), Alaa Kutkut (Taekwondo) and Jameel Al Kufush (Taekwondo) won silver medals while Amer Abu Afifa (Karate), Talat Khalil (Karate), Mutasim Kharit (Karate) and Ahmad Al Saafeen (Bodybuilding) all won bronze medals.