Kingston (Jamaica), Jan 23 (IANS/CMC): Jamaican sports minister Neita Headley has applauded Sheckema Cunningham, a rising star in World martial arts who has created history after capturing the gold at the Dutch Open in Eindhoven over the weekend.

Headley said Cunningham had placed Jamaica in the spotlight, CMC reports.

Cunningham's medal was her first European championship gold and she has become the only non-European and only black female participant to have achieved the feat in the 750-strong line-up of competitors.

"Cunningham has made Jamaica proud with her exceptional performance at the Dutch Open. I wish to commend her and the rest of the team, who worked long and hard to prepare for this event," Headley said.

"This rising star has once again placed Jamaica in the spotlight and we are very happy to share in this glorious moment with her."

Cunningham participated in the micro-weight division and defeated her Italian opponent in a close semi-final match before going on to defeat an opponent from Poland in the final.

In 2011, Cunningham along with Alrick Wanliss won bronze at the International Tae Kwon do Federation World Championships in New Zealand.