ATHENS, Aug 27 (AFP) - Central African Republic's Betrand Gbongou Liango was hospitalised after being knocked out in his Olympic Games under-68kg taekwondo first-round match, doctors said.
Staff at the Tzaneio hospital near the taekwondo venue said Liango, 22, suffered a mild concussion.
After tests showed he suffered no further injuries, he was transferred for further treatment to Athens KAT hospital, which has a separate wing for Olympic athletes.
Liango, who had no major international success heading into the Games, fell forward on to the mat when he was attacked with a left spinning wheel kick to the head by world bronze medallist Tuncay Caliskan of Austria.
The knockout came as Liango was ahead 4-1 on points at 1:45 in the final third round of the contest.
He was taken from the mat by medical staff after lying flat on his back for about 10 minutes while he was given mouth-to-mouth rescusitation.
"It is the nature of our sport. I tried to win the match, which was the same thing that my opponent did. I send him my best wishes," said Caliskan.
The Austrian's coach Mustafa Atalar said the African did not take the "right defensive position."
"This was the first time that I saw this kick cause such damage. I hope the kid from Central Africa will be OK," Atalar said.
The Korean-born combat sport of kicking and punching made its full Olympic debut in 2000. Competitors are required to wear head gear and body protectors.