Mohammad Yonus Popalazy, the secretary general of the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan, visited the Islamic Republic Of Iran Taekwondo Federation where he was greeted by its President Seyed Mohammad Pouladgar.

Afghanistan is hoping to benefit from the training of coaches and referees in Iran, while its athletes have also lived and trained there.

Rohullah Nikpai, the only Olympic medallist from Afghanistan in any sport, was trained in Iran.

"The Iranian Taekwondo Federation has always been a model for Afghan taekwondo," said Popalazy.

"Iran has always accompanied us in this way and we are grateful to the officials of this country. 

"We are looking to develop the training of taekwondo instructors and referees in Afghanistan because taekwondo is at the forefront of other disciplines in Afghanistan and with financial and moral support it can expand and create pride."

Nikpai won bronze in the men's under-58 kilograms class at London 2012 and a medal of the same colour in the men's under-68kg at London 2012.

Pouladgar added: "There is no difference between Iranian taekwondo practitioners and Afghan taekwondo practitioners.

"We have always tried to provide the conditions for the growth and prosperity of these athletes, the result of which is the fact that the only medals in the history of Afghan sports in the Olympics were won by one of these same athletes who was trained in Iran.

"We will not forget the moment when this taekwondo fighter won a medal and the added joy he brought us."