Papua New Guinea’s Kevin Kassman made his historic Olympic debut this week at the Paris 2024 Summer Games, competing in the men’s -68kg taekwondo event at the iconic Grand Palais. Facing off against one of the world’s top athletes, Bradly Sinden from Great Britain, Kassman showcased both skill and composure in what was an intense and challenging match. Despite his best efforts, Kassman was defeated 2-0 by Sinden, the reigning Olympic silver medalist and two-time world champion. Kassman, a first-time Olympian, entered the Paris 2024 Olympics with significant achievements already under his belt, including a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games Oceania qualification tournament. His journey to the Olympics has been a source of pride for Papua New Guinea, and his performance in Paris further solidified his status as a rising star in the sport of taekwondo. “Competing at the Olympics is a dream come true, and to do so in such an iconic venue against an athlete like Bradly Sinden is something I will never forget.” “Not, every day you get to fight world rank number two and I’m pretty much proud to come this far. I’ve learned so much from this experience, and I’m motivated to continue improving and representing my country at the highest level.” Competing on the world’s biggest stage, Kassman demonstrated remarkable composure and focus, especially against an opponent of Sinden’s caliber. Sinden, who came within seconds of becoming Great Britain’s first male Olympic taekwondo champion at Tokyo 2020, is widely recognized as one of the sport’s elite. The match, held in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd, was a testament to Kassman’s determination and resilience. Chef de Mission for Team PNG said that Kevin’s performance was a proud moment for Papua New Guinea and exceeded his goal of scoring more points as well as his ability to stay composed under immense pressure. He further expressed that competing against one of the world’s best in front of a massive crowd, speaks volumes about his character and potential. “This experience will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for his future in the sport.” The match concluded with a score of 2-0 in favor of Sinden, but Kassman’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics marks the beginning of an exciting journey. His Olympic debut is a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea, and the experience gained here will be invaluable as he continues to develop and compete on the international stage. As Kassman reflects on his Olympic debut, he remains optimistic and determined to build on this experience. The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee is confident that Kevin Kassman will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and achieve even greater success in the years to come.