Pakistan’s taekwondo team made history at the 6th Asian Open (Kyorugi) Taekwondo Championship in Indonesia, securing an impressive haul of three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
This remarkable achievement marks the first time that both male and female Pakistani athletes have won multiple medals at an international taekwondo event abroad.
Pakistan finished in first place, with Kazakhstan taking second and Malaysia third. The championship, held from October 14 to 17, highlighted the rising talent of Pakistani athletes on the Asian stage.
On Thursday, Haroon Khan delivered an outstanding performance in the -58kg category, defeating fellow Pakistani Abubakar to claim gold. Khan won the final with scores of 6-4 and 9-7, displaying exceptional skill and determination.
In the women’s -73kg final, Manisha Ali triumphed by defeating Indonesia’s Paramata Sari with scores of 4-1 and 8-2, earning another gold for Pakistan.
Earlier, Shahzaib also secured gold in the -54kg category.
The medal winners from Pakistan 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)
The Pakistani team was named “Best Team” of the championship, with Shahzaib being recognised as the “Best Athlete” and Yousaf Karami as “Best Coach.”
