Taekwondo gaining popularity in Pakistan: PTF patron

ISLAMABAD: Minutes after taking over as the patron Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), Lt Gen (r) Javed Iqbal HI (M) unveiled his priorities with stakeholders’ coordination for the development of game and athletes’ grooming.

Talking to the media following PTF elections at a local hotel Sunday, he admitted that game was at developing stage in the country. “The game of taekwondo is taking roots in the country and needed to be looked at from all the angels. My priority would be to strengthen the coordination between all the stakeholders. This interaction is must to achieve consistency on all fronts. This coordination would first help us judge the requirements and then to adopt a plan for better future of the game.”

Lt Gen (r) Javed Iqbal said that he wanted all to focus on the given plan for the game development. “The best way forward is to realise the problems and hurdles facing the game and to start the betterment efforts in a consistent manner with complete focus. Nurturing the youth with the systematic approach is also important.”

He termed the role of media as very important in development of any sports. “Media’s coordination and their input are of great importance in development of sports.”

He believed that the finance alone would not be enough to groom world beaters. “There are other aspects involved in grooming the champions that includes sincere efforts, focus and consistency.”The newly elected patron of the federation thanked Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Korean government and international taekwondo body for their support.

PTF President Lt Col (r) Raja Waseem Ahmad revealed that there were over 250 clubs registered with provincial and national bodies. “In our recent event 111 clubs participated. This is a big success for a game that is slowly but surely taking its roots in the country. Over 50 schoolshave already been engaged in taekwondo activities.”

Lt Col (r) Waseem said that budding five athletes were being sent to Tunisia for the Youth Olympic qualification. “We have goals and are pursuing these realistically.”The elections were supervised by the PSB and Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) representatives.

Following are the office-bearers elected for a four-year term: Patron: Lt Gen (r) Javed Iqbal HI (M); Advisor to federation: Iftikhar Ahmad Tabbasam; President: Lt Col (r) Raja Waseem Ahmad; Senior Vice President: Sher Mohammad Tareen; Vice presidents: Mohammad Akhtar Butt, Madam Saba Shamim, Jamshaid Alam, Shahid Shinwari; Secretary General: Murtaza Hassan Bangash; Secretary Finance: Jalal Haider Khan; President Women Wing: Saba Shamim Jadoon; Deputy secretaries: Najia Rasool, Kamran Qamar Qureshi and Mohammad Baber; Executive members: Mrs Majida (female), Mrs Shazia Naz (female), Abbas Hashmi, Malik Mohammad Azam, Dr Essa Kakar, Naseebullah Baber, Marrium, Ilyas Afridi, Talah Junaid, Nizakat and Mehmood Shah; Athlete commission: Najia Rasool and Shah Adil.