Pakistani Athlete Ayesha Ayaz Dominates International Taekwondo Championship with Three Medals
Young Pakistani Athlete Ayesha Ayaz, 12, Surprises the World with Three Medals at International Taekwondo Championship
In a remarkable display of talent, 12-year-old Ayesha Ayaz from Swat, Pakistan, astounded spectators at the International Taekwondo Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand, by securing three medals in the Under-12 category.
Competing in the 42kg class, Ayesha emerged victorious against opponents from three different countries, earning one silver and two bronze medals. The event witnessed the participation of over 2,200 athletes from 40 nations.
It is noteworthy that earlier this year, Ayesha had already claimed a gold medal at the Al-Fujria International event in Dubai, bringing her total tally of international medals to an impressive seven. She stood as the sole representative from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to participate in the championship held in Thailand.
Recently, a fourteen-member Pakistan Taekwondo team was announced to represent the country in the upcoming 19th Asian Games scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China, starting from September 23.
Out of the fourteen members, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) will sponsor ten individuals, while the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) will cover the travel expenses of the remaining four. Notably, Lt Col (retd) Raja Wasim Ahmad (President PTF) and Omar Saeed (CEO TF) will self-sponsor their trips as officials.
Among the sponsored athletes, Mazhar Abbas and Fateemah Tuz Zahraa will receive support from the taekwondo federation.
The PSB will provide sponsorship for ten athletes and officials, including Yousef Karami (coach from Iran), Saba Shamim (team head), Seongoh Choi (Korean coach), and Najia Rasool (female coach). The PSB-sponsored athletes consist of Haroon Khan, Mohammad Arbaz Khan, Hamza Omar Saeed, Naqash Hamdani, Naila, and Aqdasullah Qadeer.
The fourteen-member squad comprises six officials and eight athletes, meaning that only 55 percent of the contingent members will compete for medals at the Asian Games. Pakistan’s chances of winning a medal in taekwondo at the Asian Games are considered remote, as they have never secured one at this level of competition.
Nevertheless, with substantial support from the Ministry and PSB in terms of funding and training camps, there is hope that the team will make a lasting impression at the 19th Asian Games.
The Lin’an Gymnasium in Lin’an District will host the Taekwondo competition during the 19th Asian Games, with a total of 13 gold medals up for grabs.
