Martial Arts - Taekwondo - Sport bulletin

Martial Arts - Taekwondo

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 20 Feb, 2023

GTA to establish Taekwondo Centre of Excellence in Pakistan

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD, February 20: A three-member Korean delegation of Gyeonggido Taekwondo Association (GTA) arrived here on Monday for a 5-day visit to fix the modalities for establishing a Taekwondo Centre of Excellence (TCE) in Pakistan. The delegation was comprising GTA President Kim Kyuengduk, Executive Director, Kim Pyeong, Director Mun He Sung received a warm welcome by the Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination( IPC) Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, Acting Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Mohammad Ibrar, President Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) Col. (Retd.) Waseem Janjua, Korean Poomsae head coach Choi Seong and other officials at the arrival of Islamabad. The GTA delegation visited different locations of the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad to select the venue for the Taekwondo Centre of Excellence. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and Gyeonggido Taekwondo Association of Korea (TAK) have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the development of matters of mutual interest of this sport in both the countries. GTA President Kim Kyuengduk said: “We are very much happy to again here in Pakistan to find out some more options to establish centre of excellence for taekwondo and martial arts games. Gyeonggido Taekwondo Association decided to supports Pakistan and their talented kids to enhance their skills in the field of taekwondo. We want to establish this project in Pakistan because of wonderful efforts done by Pakistan Taekwondo Federation in last few years as well as Pakistan is like centre headquarter for South and West Asian countries and having easy approach for everyone having good option for GTA to establish centre of excellence here”. “I am very happy to receive warm welcome from Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari as he promised me if I would come Pakistan he will come to receive at airport. Ehsan Mazari is a gentleman who also want to promote sports in Pakistan as well”. He said that GTA would continue their support with mutual cooperation as after establishing a centre of excellence. “We will hold many training camps, seminars, technical courses for players and officials to enhance their skills not only in taekwondo but also in martial arts taekwondo as well. Everyone wants to learn and win in the taekwondo but this is the game how to respect and educate others”.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 06 Feb, 2023

Fujairah Open International Taekwondo: Pakistan lift only 3 bronzes

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Pakistan taekwondo athletes could win just three bronze medals in the 10th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship which was held at Dubai, United Arabs Emirates (UAE). According to president, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) Col (Retd) Mohammad WasimJanjua, the 10th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship was a huge success with more than 700 players from 36 countries. The tournament was organized by Fujairah Martial Arts Club (FMAC), and in three age-categories including Under-12, Under-14 Juniors, and Seniors’ participated. Pakistani contingent participated in the seniors’ category, as the Pakistan comprising 20 players, six referees, and five officials. Haroon Khan got bronze medal in male +58 kg Weight Category. Mohammad Arbaz Khan won bronze medal in male +63 kg Weight Category. Hamza Omer Saeed claimed the bronze medal in male + 87 kg Categary. “PTF is highly obliged to Pakistan Sports Board and Inter Provincial Coordination for continues support as well as approved financial grant for this prestigious event. However, the federation also managed to take this huge contingent through sponsors, their annual grant and self-financed by the athletes. The main aim for participation in this mega event was to give exposure to our athletes and also bring a soft image of Pakistan to other countries, “he concluded.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 03 Feb, 2023

Pakistan athletes arrive in Dubai to participate in Al- Fujairah Open

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The Pakistan Taekwondo team, consisting of talented young athletes, arrived in Dubai to participate in the coveted 10th Al Fujairah Open Taekwondo (G-2) Championship to be played at Sheikh Zayed Sports City. Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) has selected the players on their international performance including South Asian Games gold medalist Haroon Khan, Shahzeb, Hamza Saeed, Mazhar Abbas, Sinan Ashfaq, Arbaaz Khan while among the women players, the 4th Combaxx Asian Taekwondo Championship Gold medalist Naqsh Hamdani and Fatima Al-Zahra are part of the squad. Haroon Khan, who is a part of the national team, is upbeat, saying that the players are fully prepared for the coveted Al Fujairah Open Taekwondo Championship. “Participation in the international event will improve our game further and increase our experience during the championship” he said, adding, there will also be an opportunity of collaborating with world players to discuss with our contemporary players and professional coaches from other countries, which will be beneficial for us in the future. The Head Coach Yusuf Karami of Iran said that our players are fully fit both physically and mentally for the Fujairah Open and they will try hard to reach the victory stand by showing their hundred percent capability and performance.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 03 Nov, 2022

Two Pakistani athletes among six qualify for Asian Open finals

AA Report ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Shahzaib Khan and female athlete Naqsh Hamdani have qualified for the final after winning their respective semi-finals in their respective categories in the ongoing 4th Combaxx Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship G2 being organized by Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) at the Liaquat Gymnasium on Thursday. Shahzaib Khan downed Islalmov Zhakhrekan of Kazakhstan in the -54 Men’s semi-final contest While Naqsh Hamdani outplayed Zahro Mizzare of Afghanistan in the -53 women’s category semifinal. Besides, the following other players have also qualified for the finals in their respective categories of various contests. Female athlete Aidana (Kazakhstan) downed Ana Delo of Timor Leste in the -46 kg Women's semi-final while Indra Bajneet (Nepal) beat Maliha Ali of Pakistan in the semi-final of -67 kg Women’s semi-final. Meanwhile, Farzan Falah (Iran) beat Ibrahim Zaki (Egypt) and outplayed n the semi-final of the -63 kg Men in the semi-final. Farzan Falah (Iran) beat Ibrahim Zaki (Egypt) in the -80 kg Men’s semis. In the semi-final of the -80 kg Men’s category, Hasan Bashiri (Iran) beat Alireza (Iran), In the earlier matches, Shahzaib Khan outplayed Elwalid Mahdy Khalid from Egypt 2-0 in the -54 Men’s competition, while Naqsh Hamdani beat compatriot Fakhra Khalid 2-0 in -53 women’s category contest. Earlier, in the Quarterfinal of the -54kg Men’s contest, Shahzaib Khan had downed Muhib Mohammad from Egypt by 2-1. In the -46 kg- women’s contest, Pakistan' Hana beat Yadiba from Kazakistan by 2-0 while in the -67 women’s contest, Nepal's Basnet beat Nisa Hala from Srilanka by 2-0. In the -63 Men’s contest, Zaki from Egypt beat Noman from Pakistan by 2-0.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 03 Nov, 2022

Egyptian Sherif Khairi and Iranian Danial Bozurgishoob clinch golds

AA Report ISLAMABAD: Egypt’s Sherif Khairy and Iran’s Danial Bozurgishoob have clinched the gold medals in their respective senior category contests in the ongoing 4th Combaxx Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship G2 being organized by Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) at the Liaquat Gymnasium on Wednesday. Sherif Khairy beat Pakistan’s Hamza Saeed 2-0 in the final of the +87 kg Men’s contest while Danial Bozurgishoob from Iran overcame compatriot Omid Hussani 2-0 in the -74kg Men’s competition final. Meanwhile, in the female contests, it was Pakistan’s day as Pakistan’s female athlete Nusrat Bibi clinched the gold medal while Yasmeen Baig clinched a silver medal in their respective categories contests. In the final of the +73 kg (Women), Nusrat overwhelmed Afghanistan’s Yasmeen Azizi by 2-1. In another final of the -62 kg Women’s contest, Nazneen Azizi from Afghanistan won the gold medal. She outplayed Pakistan’s Sara Baig 2-0. Results (Semifinals): In the semi-final, Hamza Saeed overwhelmed compatriot Faizan Junaid 2-0 in the male 87 category while Sara Baig beat compatriot Hajra Shakeel 2-1 in the female -62kg contest. Yasmeen Azizi had reached the final after downing Pakistan’s Laiba Mohammad 2-0 in the semifinal while Omaid thrashed Kazakhstan’s Abdul Rehman 2-0 in the semifinal.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 01 Nov, 2022

Asian Open Championship: Pakeeza Khan and Asra Gul win golds

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Pakeeza Khan and Asra Gul secured gold medals by winning their respective bouts on the first day of the Combaxx 4th Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship (G2) at Liaquat Gymnasium of Pakistan Sports Complex. In the -63 kg women's category, Pakistan's Pakeeza Khan earned a gold medal after outplaying compatriot Nuzra Jamal from Pakistan 2-0 in a one-sided game. Meanwhile, in the -55 kg women's category, Pakistan's Arsa Gul also lifted a gold medal comprehensively beating compatriot Ajwa Nadeem from Pakistan 2-0. Later, in the -49kg women's category, Bahrain's Yara Binthani won gold by overcoming Pakistan’s Aiman Khan 2-1. In the -63kg Male category, Omer Ismail from UAE athlete beat Mohammad Muath from Bahrain by 2-0.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 30 Oct, 2022

Asian Open International Championship to start November 1

President PTF Wasim Janjua hopes for only 1 or 2 gold medals in the Asian Open Taekwondo Championship faisal ISLAMABAD: President, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), Col (Retd) Mohammad Wasim Janjua on Sunday viewed off that couple of gold medals in the upcoming Combaxx 4th Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship (G2) would be acceptable performance of hosts athletes during the 4-day international fixture, which would be rolled into action here at Laiquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex from November 1, 2022. Responding to a question during a press conference at a local hotel, the head of PTF further stated that PTF responsibility was to provide opportunities for national athletes to excel at international level. “Federation is providing all crunch facilities to national players to enhance their skills and top international taekwondo players are participating in the mega regional event. If our players will grab one or two gold medals it will be an adequate performance and our players will bring maximum results, “he hoped. “We hold the camps to train the boys and girls under the guidance and administration of international coaches. Haroon and Shahzeb are our best players, who are able to lift the medals and hoist the green flag at the international arenas. Federation is doing sufficient at its end and trying its best to provide maximum opportunities to players at international level to develop their game skills and international exposure as well. If they compete with a high ranking opponent they will certainly learn more, “he replied another question. Janjua said that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) would provide around Rs. 5 to 6 million (US$ 22, 586 to US$ 27,103) for the G-2 international event. “The top finest male and female athletes of various countries from across the globe have arrived here. International teams are practicing at championship venue Liaquat Gymnasium. Beside national and athletes over 100 volunteers and technical officials will play a vital role in holding a mega international sports showpiece, “he said. “Around 600 officials and athletes are also part of this mega event. The number of International Officials / athletes is more than 200. Technical delegate from Lebanon, Denial and Referee Chairman Sharam from Iran alongwith 30 International Referees (Male/Female) are there to conduct this prestigious championship. The other International referees and Member Supervisory Board are from Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Iran, Nepal, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Palestine and Pakistan, “he added. He further divulged that PTF would host another international taekwondo event next year. “The bid of said event was approved in WT General Council Meeting on 23 Jun 2022 this year and we have the unique honour to have this championship in 2023 again, Inshallah which includes Senior Khyrougi and Poomsae Events, “he replied to a question. “Men and women besides hosts Pakistan, Afghanistan, Albania, Bahrain, Egypt, Great Britain, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Oman, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Timor-Leste, United states of America (UAE) and WT Refugee are participating in the 4-day international taekwondo fixture, “president PTF concluded after facing volley of questions.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 28 Oct, 2022

Combaxx Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship 2022

11-man Sri Lanka players and officials arrive in the Capital City Islamabad AA Report ISLAMABAD: The 11-man Sri Lanka taekwondo contingent including 5 girls, 4 boys and 2 officials have arrived here to take part in the 4th Combaxx Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship 2022, scheduled to be held from November 1 to 4, 2022 at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex. According to spokesman for Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), top officials of PTF welcomed the guests on their arrival at Benazir International Airport Islamabad. Visitors were awarded warm welcome, who also garlanded the players and officials. On this occasion, Sri Lankan female athlete Madhushika Madushani said that she was happy to be in Pakistan, which is known in the world for sports dignity, producing world class athletes and sportsmen and sportswomen. “The country is also known for traditional hospitality and unique aromatic dishes”, she said. Male athlete Tharanga Lamkal said: “We are well prepared for this grand Asian Open International which may prove a milestone in taekwondo history”. Another visiting Sri Lankan athlete Nimesh Wiranga said: “Since world best players are featuring in the prestigious championship, it will provide them an opportunity to collaborate and interact with them and learn from their experiences”. Names of Sri Lanka Squad: 1. Ruwan Alahakoon (Head of Team) 2. Romesh Rathnasekara (Team Coach) 3. Tharanga Thilakarathna (Athlete) 4. Jewantha Thilakarathna (Athlete) 5. Nimesh Viranga (Athlete) 6. Sachithtra Bandaranayaka (Athlete) 7. Nuwan Jayasinghe (Athlete) 8. Irangani Mahadula (Athlete) 9. Madushika Madushani (Athlete) 10. Shashikala Gunawardhana (Athlete) 11. Nisansala Jayasinghe (Athlete)

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 26 Oct, 2022

Pakistani athletes are competent to qualify for Olympics: Najia Khan

faisal ISLAMABAD: The 10-time former national champion and national female taekwondo coach Najia Rasool Khan has said that Pakistani martial art athletes were competent to qualify for the quadrennial mega sports fixture of the world Olympics Games if they would be imparted particular international standard training facilities back-to-back for two years till Paris Olympics 2024. While talking to this reporter at Laiquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex here she further said that the top national taekwondo player Haroon Tareen was so close to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics but unfortunately he lost his bout in a fraction of seconds. “We have brilliant players like Haroon Tareen, Shahzeb Khan and Fatima Khawar and they are capable of bringing laurels for the country in the international competitions, “she added. Najia, 30 from Muzaffargarh further divulged, “We have enough facilities but we need training camps in which players can develop their game skills. Taekwondo is the most admirable martial game in the country and young budding girls and boys are enthusiastic to excel at national and international level but they need appropriate guide-line, coaching and training. We have enough facilities in Pakistan that meet international needs and standards.” To a question she said, “In past, when Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera was Director General of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) he provided enormous occasion to taekwondo players to excel at national and international level by holding the camps for players in a row at the different sports arenas of the country. We need honest efforts to uplift the standard of sports in the country and hoist the national green flag across the world, “she viewed. Former martial art athlete Najia Khan, who won 4 silvers and 3 bronze medals, suggested that the joint efforts of sports federation and sports insinuations along with sponsorship might uplift the standard of sports. “There is no minor sponsorship in all the sports except cricket. A player’s basic requirements are diet, equipment and training, as these facilities need money without sponsorship no one can move ahead at international level. We should take genuine steps to achieve the targets, “she asserted. Responding to another question, she said, “A coach needs to attend international coaching courses to reach the top level. At the present I am a level-II taekwondo coach and have attended six international coaching courses. We can increase the number of coaches by sending them abroad for courses or international representatives may be invited here for coaching lectures. In the ongoing modern area, the best and upgraded coaching facility is most important for the players, “she maintained. It is pertinent to mention here that unmarried Najia Rasool Khan, 30, belongs to Muzaffargarh and she is solitary from her family, who likes sports and is honored with Pakistan's colour too. She started her sports’ career In 2006 and finished in 2021 after that she is working with Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) as female coach and willing to make another mark in the field of sports as a coach. When she started to participate in sports activities only her mother supported her and the rest of her 8 family members were not willing to see Najia Rasool Khan in sports arenas.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 25 Oct, 2022

Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship from November 1, 2022

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: The 4th Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship (Grade 2) will kick off from November 1, 2022 here at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex under the control of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF). According to an official of PTF, top regional martial arts’ male and female athletes will fight for gold medals in different 26 disciplines. Over 500 536 athletes will compete for gold and glory across as many as 16 male/female) categories in senior and 5 male/female categories in Junior. Senior and young players mostly aged 18 and above and Under-17 are going to participate in the senior/junior male and female Khyurogi event. National and internationally certified eferees will also join other international referees for the smooth conduct of this prestigious championship. As many as 65 foreign and 26 national officials are registered for this mega event while the number of registered foreign athletes from as many as 23 countries stands at 165, adding that the 418 national athletes are to feature in this prestigious championship. Besides 38 international and five national referees are part of this mega championship. President PTF acknowledged and appreciated the wholehearted support provided by the South Asian President Omar Saeed and other sponsors including Combaxx Sports, Korean Embassy, Islamabad and Serena Hotels.