Kabul: The winner of Afghanistan’s first Olympic medal is to be given a house as a reward on the orders of President Hamid Karzai, a palace official said on Thursday.

Rohullah Nikpai thrilled Afghans with his bronze medal in the men’s 58kg taekwondo. “It’s a time of big celebrations for all of us,” said shopkeeper Khair Mohammad. “I’m so happy that despite the war, lack of sports facilities and training Nikpai managed to secure a medal.” Many Afghans were unable to watch the bout live because power is intermittent and access to cable television is restricted. (Reuters)