PARIS (IRNA) -- Youssef Karami snatched a silver in -80kg category of the international taekwondo in France Sunday night, booking a spot in 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

The Iranian prodigy disposed of Italian, Australian, and American rivals to meet Christophe Negro from France in final.

Karami had a tough fight against Negro but he was announced the loser as the two finalists tied 5-5.

Stefan Lopez of the United States and Pashad Ahmedu from Azerbaijan Republic jointly took the bronze.

Over 280 taekwondo players from 105 countries competed in eight weights.