Pakistan’s taekwondo team won the championship title at the 6th Asian Open (Kyorugi) Taekwondo Championship in Indonesia and secured three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
The achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first occasion that both male and female athletes from Pakistan have attained such success at an international taekwondo competition held overseas.
During the intensely competitive event, which took place from October 14 to 17, Pakistan outperformed all, securing the top position, with Kazakhstan and Malaysia finishing second and third, respectively. This event highlighted the emerging talent of Pakistani athletes on the Asian circuit.
Haroon Khan won gold in the -58kg category in a remarkable display by defeating fellow countryman Abubakar, with scores of 6-4 and 9-7, demonstrating exceptional skill and perseverance. Manisha Ali also clinched gold in the women’s -73kg category, defeating Indonesia’s Paramata Sari with scores of 4-1 and 8-2. Additionally, Shahzaib earned a gold medal in the -54kg category, further boosting Pakistan’s medal tally.
The team’s medalists were:
- Gold: Shahzaib (-54 kg), Haroon Khan (-58 kg), Manisha Ali (-73 kg)
- Silver: Abubakar (-58 kg), Ikhtasham Ul Haq (-87 kg), Hamza Omer Saeed (+87 kg)
- Bronze: Mazhar Abbas (-80 kg), Malia Ali (-73 kg)
Pakistan’s team was named the “Best Team” of the championship, with Shahzaib earning the “Best Athlete” title and Yousaf Karami being honoured as the “Best Coach.”
