Pakistan Kicks Off Asian Taekwondo Championship Campaign in Indonesia

The 16-member Pakistan taekwondo squad is set to compete in the 6th Asian Open Kyorugi Taekwondo Championship, which begins today.

The championship, held at the Indore Stadium Sports Center in Tangerang, Indonesia will run from October 15 to 18 and features over 275 athletes from across Asia, including participants from India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, and host nation Indonesia.

The Pakistani team comprises a mix of experienced and emerging talent. The male competitors include Haroon Khan (-58 kg), Numan Khan (-63 kg), Saud Alam (-63 kg), Muhammad Arbaz Khan (-68 kg), Mazhar Abbas (-80 kg), Ikhtsham-ul-Haq (-87 kg), and Hamza Omar Saeed (+87 kg). The women’s team features Noor Rahman (-57 kg), Maleeha Ali (-73 kg), and Manisha Ali (+73 kg).

The team is led by Lieutenant Colonel Zeeshan Aslam, with Master Yusuf Karami serving as the head coach. Syed Sadaqat Hussain is the team manager, and Faisal Nadeem Butt is the physiotherapist, ensuring the athletes are well-prepared and supported throughout the competition.

Hamza Saeed, competing in the +87 kg weight category, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation. “A lot of preparations have been done for the championship,” he stated. Saeed also highlighted the opportunity to engage with international peers and coaches, which he believes will be beneficial for the team’s development.

Noor Rehman, representing Pakistan in the -57 kg category, emphasized her determination to succeed. “I will not take any fight lightly and aim to bring good news to the nation by winning medals for Pakistan,” she declared, reflecting the team’s commitment to achieving success on the international stage.