Iran has collected four glittering golds in the world under-21 and youth karate competitions in Marseille, France, Saturday night, IRNA reported.

In the u-21 meet, Mohammad-Reza Aref-Asl representing the country in -65 kg was eliminated as he lost to his German rival 7-2.

Hassan Rowhani snatched a gold for Iran in -60 kg class, beating a Belgian finalist 2-0 and Hossein Rowhani added another gold by defeating a Kuwaiti karateka in the 65 kg final 2-1.

In the youth event, Mohammad-Hossein Fikouhi hammered a French rival to grab -55 kg gold and Hassan Ghaffari managed to overcome his Turkish opponent in -60 final.

The two events end Monday.

Iran stood top and second in the world under-21 kumite and kata respectively.

Iran ranked first in the kumite category of the World Under-21 Karate Championships ended in Marseille, France, Friday night. In the final, Iran overpowered Belarus 3-0 to celebrate the world kumite title.

Moslem Zeinoddin, Hossein Rowhani, and Jassem Vishgahi represented Iran in the final.

France and the Netherlands tied at No. 3.

The second title of world kata was won by Iran Friday night as it was narrowly defeated by the host.

France kept the trophy at home by beating Iran 2-1 in the final. The third title jointly went to Italy and Germany.

Iran comprised Mostafa Pourjalali, Malek Mehrabi, and Afshin Hemmati-Moqaddam.

... Payvand News - 10/26/03 ... --