POA, Army come out in support of taekwondo team

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Pak Army have come forward to support the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), enabling a sixteen-member contingent to figure in the Asian Taekwondo Championship starting in Beirut from June 12.

The 16-member team has left for Lebanon to compete in the Asian event as at one time the federation was not sure that it would be in a position to muster around Rs7 million enabling the contingent to participate in the competition.

In the absence of government’s support, the POA, Army Sports and Hankook, Combaxx Sports came forward to help the PTF.

Asian’s best athletes including those who have qualified for the Olympics are featuring in the high-profile event.

A contingent of 16 members under the supervision of Omar Saeed, president South Asian Taekwondo Association is expected to reach Lebanon today (Saturday).

“One of the objectives of Pakistan’s decision to participate in the event in a big the way is to prepare a good squad for the upcoming COAS International Pakistan Open Taekwondo Championship will be organised in Islamabad from November 4-9, 2021.

The management is also trying its level best to give maximum exposure to their young athletes for future competitions like Islamic Games, Asian Games, and the South Asian Games to be held in Pakistan. We are hoping that athletes would bring laurels for the country. I am thankful to the POA, Army, and sponsors to ensure the team’s participation. The government did not give us a penny for the team’s participation in the event,” Col (r) Wasim Ahmed, president PTF said.

Athletes: Haroon Khan, Shahzaib, Rab Nawaz, Taimur Saeed, Hamza Saeed, Jabran Asad Khan, Ammar Ashfaq, Mazhar Abbas, Ayesha Noor, Sayyeda Hannah, Najia Rasool.

Management: Omar Saeed (head contingent); Shahzada Muhammad Asif (Physio), Nadir Khan (coach), Ashfaq Ahmed (manager).