ROYAL PRAISE FOR FEARLESS HUSSEIN

Following his courageous performance against World Champion Tony Yoka in the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games super heavyweight division, the praise has come in thick and fast for Jordan boxer Hussein Ishaiash.

The 21-year-old took the fight to the favourite for gold, who stands at 20cm taller and 10kg heavier than Ishaiash. And it brought a wave of admiration from Jordan with HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC), telling the young fighter by phone after the contest that he was the “pride of Jordan”.

“Hussein did a wonderful job,” added HRH Prince Feisal. “He showed the best of Jordanian and Olympic Spirit. He deserved the standing ovation from the crowd.” The boxer also received a phone call from HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal, who praised his heroic performance and then spoke to JOC secretary general Lana Al Jaghbeer to offer his warm wishes to the rest of the delegation.

HRH Princess Rahma Bint Al Hassan also called Al Jaghbeer to offer her support to Ishaiash. Next up for Jordan in Rio de Janeiro is Lawrence Fanous in the triathlon and Ahmad Abu Ghaush in the taekwondo. Both events take place on Thursday.