Pakistan’s taekwondo team made history at the 6th Asian Open (Kyorugi) Taekwondo Championship in Indonesia by securing the championship title with an impressive tally of three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time both male and female athletes from Pakistan have achieved such success at an international taekwondo event abroad.
The championship, held from October 14 to 17, was fiercely contested, with Pakistan clinching first place, followed by Kazakhstan in second and Malaysia in third. This achievement showcased the rising talent of Pakistani athletes on the Asian stage.
Haroon Khan delivered a standout performance in the -58kg category on Thursday, defeating compatriot Abubakar to win gold. Khan’s skill and determination were evident as he secured the final with scores of 6-4 and 9-7. In the women’s -73kg final, Manisha Ali also triumphed, earning gold after defeating Indonesia’s Paramata Sari with scores of 4-1 and 8-2. Earlier, Shahzaib, competing in the -54kg category, secured another gold medal for Pakistan.
The medal winners from Pakistan included:
- Gold: Shahzaib (-54 kg), Haroon Khan (-58 kg), Manisha Ali (-73 kg)
- Silver: Abubakar (-58 kg), Ikhtasham Ul Haq (-87 kg), Hamza Omer Saeed (+87 kg)
- Bronze: Mazhar Abbas (-80 kg), Malia Ali (-73 kg)
In recognition of their outstanding performance, the Pakistani team was awarded the “Best Team” title. Shahzaib was named the “Best Athlete” of the championship, while Yousaf Karami was honored as the “Best Coach.”
This historic victory not only highlights the individual talents of the athletes but also marks a significant achievement for Pakistan on the international taekwondo stage. The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it sets a new benchmark for future international competitions.
