Haroon, Hamza set to press for Olympics seats

LAHORE: Two Pakistani taekwondokas, Haroon Khan and Hamza Saeed, are set to press for the 2024 Paris Olympics seats when they flex their muscles in the World Taekwondo Asian Qualification Tournament at the Taian city of China on Saturday (tomorrow).

The event will actually begin on Friday (today). Haroon on Saturday will compete in the -58 kilogramme while Hamza will flex his muscles in the +87 kg. Both the fighters have the experience and have undergone top training during the last few months. They not only underwent training in Iran and other offshore places but also featured in a handful of events which have helped them in their preparation for the Qualifiers.

Former world champion Yousuf Karami of Iran is accompanying the duo as a coach. It will be the last opportunity for the seasoned Haroon who has shown a lot of resolve during his career even against the world’s top fighters. Hamza has also shown a lot of promise as a fighter in international circuit.

The top two in each weight category will qualify for the Paris Olympics. Pakistan Taekwondo Federation’s (PTF) president Col Waseem admits that it’s a tough event but he is optimistic that his fighters can give a breakthrough if they manage to play upto their potential.

“Definitely, it’s a tough event and top two in each weight category will qualify for the Paris Olympics. We have left no stone unturned in preparing our fighters and they now should deliver,” Waseem told ‘The News’ on Thursday.

“The fighters will need to be mentally strong and that’s the only thing which should be seen in the event if we are to give any breakthrough,” he was quick to add. “We not only provided them with exposure but we also held a good enough camp in Iran,” Waseem said.