Thousands of jubilant Afghans packed Kabul’s national stadium to welcome home Rohullah Nikpai, the nation’s first Olympic medallist.

Nikpai, 21, who won a taekwondo bronze, was cheered by crowds of people as he was driven in an open-topped truck from the international airport to the arena.

“Nikpai brought pride to Afghanistan,” Vice-President Mohammad Karim Khalili said, as the athlete looked on.

A string of speakers praised Nikpai’s abilities and presented prizes to him.

BBC