PTF to organise online taekwondo championship

KARACHI: Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) plans to hold the first ever Pakistan Open Poomsae Championship through video link from May 15-20.

“In this difficult time when COVID-19 has unsettled the whole socio-economic life of the world we have some categories in which we can hold online event and one such we are going to hold,” PTF President Col Wasim Ahmed said.

He said the event will be conducted for various age groups starting from 8 to 50 years.

“We want to involve athletes of all age groups. Instructions will be passed on to all provinces/clubs/athletes in the next two days about preparations and how the event will be conducted. The registration process will start from May 10,” he said.

He said that the event would attract around 1200 athletes from across the country.

“While staying at home, these players will be asked to perform different routines. A jury of experts headed by Mr Han, expert coach from Korea, and other national coaches will watch every individual before awarding them positions in each category.”

He said that results will be uploaded on the PTF website. Medals, certificates and cash prizes will be given to position holders.

“Every athlete will also be awarded a participation certificate,” he was quick to add.

“The PTF marketing team is working to lure sponsorships for the event. Hopefully we will be in a position to get reasonable sponsorships to generate activities during the period of isolation,” Wasim said.

He hoped that besides helping out the athletes and keeping them active, the new concept will also help unearth talent for future competitions.

“All the clubs would be asked to make efforts to project fresh talent,” he said.

“The first video link national championship will set a new trend in the sporting world that has been crippled by the COVID-19. The very important reason to hold such an event is to support deserving athletes who look to the federation in such testing times,” Wasim said. Departments will not be part of the event.