Mohammed Alsowaiq won a historic gold medal for Saudi Arabia in Egypt ©World Taekwondo

The deputy governor of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province has congratulated Mohammed Alsowaiq after his historic taekwondo gold medal.

Alsowaiq claimed victory last month in the boys' under-65 kilograms class at the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt.

This was the first-ever gold medal in any major taekwondo event for Saudi Arabia.

The gold was secured when Alsowaiq defeated Italy's Andrea Riondino 12-6 in the final at the Youth and Sports Olympic Hall in the Red Sea city.

The deputy governor, Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, told Arab News he hoped Alsowaiq would "accomplish more achievements in the sport, locally and internationally, and gain more titles for the Kingdom".

Athletes between the ages of 12 and 14 competed in Egypt ©World Taekwondo
Athletes between the ages of 12 and 14 competed in Egypt ©World Taekwondo

He also congratulated the President of the Saudi Taekwondo Federation, Brig. Gen. Shaddad bin Tala Al-Amri.

Al-Amri had described the win as an "unprecedented global achievement".  

The Cadet World Championships are for competitors between the ages of 12 and 14.