KARACHI: Pakistan’s national taekwondo team reached Dubai on Wednesday to take part in the 8th Al-Fujairah Open Taekwondo Championship which will be held there from Jan 31 to Feb 2.

The Pakistani team would compete in cadets, junior and senior male and female category competitions.

President Asian Taekwondo Association Umar Saeed, Sindh Olympic Association Vice-Chairman Asif Azeem, Sindh Taekwondo Association Secretary Kamran Qureshi and others were present at the Quaid-e-Azam International Airport to see off the departing players.

It needs to be mentioned here that it is the first ever time that over 100 taekwondo players are taking part in the Al-Fujairah Open Taekwondo Championship. The national squad also includes South Asian Games gold medalist Haroon Khan, Rab Nawaz and Shahzaib. Faraz Usman and Khuldoom Raja would be the coaches of the squad and Faisal Butt would be the manager.

National squad comprises over 100 players

Before the departure Taimur Saeed of national squad said that the team is fully prepared for the championship and representing the country is an honor for him and his teammates. “Attending the international event will enhance our sporting abilities and experience. The championship would be an opportunity to interact with players and coaches of other countries which would prove to be fruitful for us in the future,” said Taimur.

Female taekwondo player Naksh Hamdani said that she has prepared well for the championship and will try to win medals for the country.

Pakistan Taekwondo Federation President Col. Waseem Janjua said that all possible facilities were provided to the players for preparation of the event.

“Hopefully, the players will do their country proud by winning medals in the championship,” he said. Asian Taekwondo Association President Umar Saeed said that this year Pakistan Open Taekwondo Championship G-1 and Safe Taekwondo Championship would also be organized. “Our players are physically and mentally fit for Al-Fujairah Open Taekwondo and they will do their best by performing 100 percent,” he added.

Umar further said that the coaches have informed the players about new rules and regulations of the game and the entire squad is very passionate about doing well in the event.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2020