BEIRUT: Pakistan’s Haroon Khan showcased a magnificent display of martial arts at the 24th Asian Taekwondo Championship by winning bronze medal in the -58kg category.

Earlier, Haroon had won the pre-quarterfinal 36-30 against Mongolia’s Enkhbayar Gantulga.

In the quarter-final against Shohrukh Barotov of Tajikistan, Haroon took lead in the first round but during the second round, an illegal attack by Shohrukh on Haroon’s nose fainted him. On a score of 27-18, Haroon fell on the ground and the medical team took him to the Notre Dame University Hospital for treatment.

As hitting on the face is not allowed according to taekwondo rules, the referee and jury declared victory for Haroon who advanced for the semi-final.

Unfortunately, the doctors after examining the X-ray reports did not allow Haroon to compete further in the championship.

Pakistan Taekwondo Federation president retired Col Waseem Janjua congratulated Haroon for his progress to the semis. On this occasion, Waseem announced Rs100,000 for Haroon and Rs25,000 cash prize for Hamza Omar Saeed.

In +87 kg, Pakistan’s Hamza Omar Saeed fought against Korea’s Yoo Min Bea by 24-6, whereas in the women’s category Ayesha Noor lost to Uzbekistan’s Madina Bano Mannopova 36-0.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2021