“I feel so happy to represent my country”

The -87kg semifinal between Ukraine’s Artem Harbar and Michael Rodriguez of the United States on Tuesday, 22 July was one of the most anticipated matchups of the men’s taekwondo competition at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. It was the final before the final, as the saying goes, a much-anticipated bout between a veteran and a rising star. 

Rodriguez, known for his explosive kicks and relentless pressure, came into the duel confident and prepared. But throughout the tense contest, Harbar remained composed, responding with a flurry of scoring headshots and body kicks that swung the momentum in his favour.

The Ukrainian went on to win in straight rounds, 10-5 and 12-2.

“I won the two rounds against him today. I feel so happy to represent my country but most especially I fight for my family,” said the victor, a 22-year-old student from the Donbass State Engineering Academy.

“Today I feel like I fought well, representing my country well, the first two matches went good, I just didn’t have enough (in the semifinal) but I will go back and work on it then I will see him again in world championships and try to get him then,” offered his US opponent, also 22, from Houston Community College. “I obviously didn’t want today to end like this but I am looking at the bright side, can’t beat myself over it, reset and get ready for the next one.”

There was no let up in intensity for Harbar in the gold-medal final against Poland’s Szymon Piatkowski. His eyes remained laser-focused as he lunched numerous counterattacks. Following another two-round win (10-8, 12-4), the Ukrainian stood victorious, expressing his dominance.

It was an emotional triumph for Harbar, who captured bronze in the +87kg category in his FISU Games debut at Chengdu 2023.

He picked up taekwondo at the age of 3 and his first trainer was his father, Serhii. His journey has been shaped by personal sacrifice and the burden of representing a nation in crisis. His victory carries deep emotional and symbolic meaning.

“With a lot going on back home it just shows that Ukrainians are very competitive in sports. I am glad I won.”

The champion ended with a proud message from Ukraine to the world: “Resilience, talent, and belief can overcome even the most daunting odds.”.

Other gold-medal winners in taekwondo on 22 July included Kazakhstan’s Samirkhon Ababakirov (men’s -63kg), Qing Guo from the People’s Republic of China (women’s -53kg) and Türkiye’s Sude Yaren Uzuncavdar (women’s -73kg).

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Jagunna Iretomiwa, FISU Young Reporter, Nigeria

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

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