The national Taekwondo squad of Pakistan has officially landed in Indonesia, embarking on a promising journey in the 6th Asian Open Kyorugi Taekwondo Championship. This prestigious event, held at the Indore Stadium Sports Center in Tangerang, Indonesia, promises thrilling action, as more than 275 athletes from across Asia gather to compete from Tuesday through Friday.
Pakistan’s contingent, comprising 16 players, is ready to showcase their skills and make the country proud. Among the participants are seasoned athletes, each representing a different weight category, ensuring that Pakistan has a strong presence in both the men’s and women’s events.
Pakistan’s Taekwondo Squad for the Championship
Pakistan’s male athletes for the competition include:
- Haroon Khan in the -58 kg category
- Numan Khan and Saud Alam both competing in the -63 kg category
- Mohammad Arbaz Khan in the -68 kg category
- Mazhar Abbas in the -80 kg category
- Ikhtsham-ul-Haq in the -87 kg category
- Hamza Omar Saeed, taking part in the +87 kg category
On the women’s side, the athletes competing for Pakistan are:
- Noor Rahman in the -57 kg category
- Maleeha Ali in the -73 kg category
- Manisha Ali competing in the +73 kg category
Preparation and Ambitions
As the tournament commences, Pakistan’s squad expresses both optimism and determination. Hamza Saeed, one of the prominent athletes in the +87 kg category, shared insights on the team’s rigorous preparations.
“A lot of preparation has been done for the championship. During the event, there will also be an opportunity to discuss with our contemporaries and professional coaches from other countries, which will be beneficial for us in the future,” said Hamza Saeed.
The team is not just focusing on short-term performance but also looking to gain valuable exposure from global contemporaries. They see this as a chance to learn, improve, and further elevate Pakistan’s position in international taekwondo.
Noor Rahman, who will represent Pakistan in the -57 kg women’s category, also expressed her dedication and focus on winning medals for the country.
“I will not take any fight lightly and present good news to the nation by winning medals for the country,” said Noor, highlighting her fighting spirit and commitment to making the country proud on an international platform.
Leadership and Support Staff
The Pakistani squad is led by Lt Col Zeeshan Aslam, with master Yusuf Karami serving as the head coach. Syed Sadaqat Hussain will manage the team during the championship, while Faisal Nadeem Butt has been appointed as the team’s physiotherapist, ensuring the athletes remain in peak physical condition throughout the competition.
A Promising Event
This year’s Asian Open Kyorugi Taekwondo Championship promises to be a fierce battleground for martial artists, as teams from India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, and the host country Indonesia compete for glory. With the high stakes and caliber of competition, Pakistan’s athletes are stepping onto the mats with a resolve to fight with honor and bring home medals.
As the championship unfolds, all eyes are on the Pakistani athletes, with hopes that their dedication and hard work will yield successful outcomes.
