Kirstie Alora drops farewell match in Asian Games taekwondo

Iran’s Anahita Tavakoli (L) and the Philippines’ Kirstie Alora (R) compete in the women’s +67KG round of 16 event during the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on September 28, 2023. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)

HANGZHOU, China—Kirstie Elaine Alora’s farewell match didn’t work in her favor after bowing out of contention in women’s taekwondo at the 19th Asian Games.

The two-time Asian Games bronze medalist dropped her opening bout against Iran’s Anahita Tavakoli, 0-2, in the women’s +67kg round of 16 on Thursday at the Lin’an Sports and Culture Exhibition Centre.

“I feel sad because this is my last Asian Games. I am retiring after this,’’ said the 33-year-old Alora, whose long career brought her to the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics.

Alora’s journey was also highlighted by nine medals in the Southeast Asian Games, four of them gold.

“I thank you all the supporters of our team throughout my career. I intend to become an inspiration to my other teammates and to all future national team members,’’ said Alora.

Samuel Morrison also kissed his long stint with the national squad goodbye after failing to advance to the quarterfinals.

Iran’s Arian Salimi was too quick, too agile for Morrison and prevailed, 2-0, in their men’s +80kg round of 16 encounter.

“This was my last match for the national team. I plan to teach young kids in my own gym,’’ said Morrison, also a two-time bronze performer in the Asian Games with four SEA Games gold medals.

The Philippine taekwondo team will go home to Manila with a bronze medal from the men’s individual poomsae courtesy of Patrick King Perez.