Najia grabs bronze at Asian Taekwondo

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s female taekwondo athlete Najia Rasool showcased a stunning performance and won bronze medal in Poomsae event of over-17 Women Individual Freestyle category at the Asian Taekwondo Championship in Beirut.

Korea’s Sangyoop Kim and Philippine’s Juvenile Crisostomo won gold and silver, respectively.

Najia’s bronze came on the heels of silver medal which Pakistan grabbed in team’s Poomsae event. Philippine’s team comprising Nikki Oliva, Kobe Macario, Juvenile Crisostomo, Jeordan Dominguez and Marvin Mori won the gold in the team event. Pakistan’s Ayesha Noor, Najia Rasool, Hamza Saeed, Haroon Khan, and Shahzeb Khan got silver.

“Our coaches trained us following the latest rules and regulations for this mega event. Pakistan has got taekwondo potential which needs grooming and can result in more medals in the future,” said Najia after winning bronze.

She added that Pakistan’s medal-winners need patronage from the government as well as the private sector.

“Sports federations which are bringing laurels for the country should be financially supported by government.”

The Asian Poomsae event ended with Korea winning the most gold medals followed by Iran taking the second spot.

In the honour of medalists, South Asian Taekwondo Association president Omar Saeed gave a reception to all officials and athletes. Deputy Head of Mission Pakistan Embassy in Lebanon Aman Ullah also attended the dinner and praised Pakistan’s performance.

Punjab Taekwondo Association’s patron Sahil Chaudhry announced Rs50,000 cash prizes for the medal-winners.

Asian Taekwondo Championship, Kyurogi event will commence from today (Wednesday) at the Nouhad Naufal Indoor Stadium.