KARACHI: The Pakistan Taekwondo team made history at the 6th Asian Open Taekwondo Championship (Kyurugi) in Indonesia, clinching the championship title with an impressive tally of three gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
This achievement represents a milestone, as it is the first time that male and female athletes from Pakistan have achieved such a feat in an international taekwondo event abroad.
In a closely contested tournament, Pakistan secured first place, followed by Kazakhstan in second place and Malaysia in third place. The event, which was held from October 14 to 17, showcased the rising talent of Pakistani athletes on the Asian stage.
On Thursday, Harun Khan produced an outstanding performance in the under-58kg category, defeating compatriot Abu Bakar to win the gold medal. Khan won the final 6-4, 9-7, showcasing his skill and determination throughout the match.
In the women’s 73kg final, Manisha Ali was also victorious, winning the gold medal after defeating Indonesian Parramatta Sari 4-1, 8-2.
Earlier, Shahzeb, competing in the under-54kg category, clinched a gold medal for Pakistan.
Medal winners from Pakistan included:
gold: Shehzeb (-54 kg), Haroon Khan (-58 kg), Manisha Ali (-73 kg)
silver: Abu Bakr (-58 kg), Ikhtisas Al-Haq (-87 kg), Hamza Omar Saeed (+87 kg)
Bronze: Mazhar Abbas (-80 kg), Malia Ali (-73 kg)
The Pakistani national team won the title of “Best Team,” while Shahzeb won the title of “Best Athlete” in the tournament, and Yousef Karami won the title of “Best Coach.”