- 10:16
Young Lebanese taekwondo athlete Jane Abboud (–37 kg category) claimed an impressive bronze medal at the Grand Prix Finals Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the 12–14 age division, marking yet another major achievement for Lebanese taekwondo on the international stage. At her age, reaching the podium at such a high-level competition is already an exceptional feat.
Even before shining in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Abboud had already accomplished a first milestone: securing her qualification for the Finals through a demanding preliminary phase. She had to win several bouts against athletes from across the continent to earn her spot in Sarajevo. Getting here was in no way a gift — it was the result of steady effort, strong coaching, and a disciplined rise within Lebanese taekwondo.
On the Sarajevo mats, Abboud proved she wasn’t there just to “gain experience.”
Focused, assertive in the right way, and attentive to her coach’s instructions, she quickly worked her way into the top of the bracket.
Three authoritative wins before a razor-thin semifinal loss
In her draw, the Lebanese athlete strung together three composed and confident victories. Distance control, precision in her kicks, and smart use of the electronic scoring gear — Abboud checked all the boxes of modern taekwondo.
Match after match, she gained momentum, eventually punching her ticket to the semifinals.
There, she faced a French athlete — the reigning European champion in the category. The bout turned into a true battle of nerves: every point was earned, challenged, reviewed. Jane responded blow for blow, stuck to the game plan, and never gave up until the final buzzer. She ultimately fell short by a single point. A cruel defeat on paper, but an invaluable lesson for the rest of her young career.
A podium earned through mental strength
There was no question of leaving empty-handed. Dropped into the bronze-medal match, Abboud had to regroup quickly. Against Turkish athlete Gulanur Kankaya, she rediscovered her full determination. More precise in her attacks, solid in defense, and well-guided by coach Master Mark Khalifé, she dictated the pace of the fight.
As the exchanges went on, the Lebanese fighter took control, maintained her lead, and shut the door on any comeback attempt. At the final whistle, the verdict was clear: victory for Jane Abboud and a bronze medal around her neck — a podium earned through resilience in an event where the slightest mistake can be fatal.
Lebanese Taekwondo continues to rise
Beyond the individual accomplishment, this medal highlights the growing strength of Lebanese taekwondo internationally and confirms the quality of development in the youth divisions. The presence of Lebanese athletes competing — and winning — against top European schools is no longer an exception, but a growing trend.
After the tournament, the President of the Lebanese Taekwondo Federation, Dr. Habib Zarifeh, called the young medalist and her coach to warmly congratulate them, praising a “new chapter in the saga of Lebanese taekwondo success.”
Meanwhile, the technical staff emphasized Jane’s discipline in training and her ability to elevate her performance when it matters most.
At just 12–14 years old, Jane Abboud has shown she will be a contender in the years ahead — and in doing so, she offered Lebanese taekwondo a powerful new image: that of a young fighter unafraid of big names or big stages.
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