Taekwondo federation chief optimistic Pakistan will make Rio
Inflated by the superb performance of the national outfit in the 12th South Asian Games, president of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation retired Lt Col Wasim Ahmed Janjua is optimistic Pakistan will secure Rio Olympics ticket after winning medals in the upcoming Asian qualification tournament.
Inflated by the superb performance of the national outfit in the 12th South Asian Games, president of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation retired Lt Col Wasim Ahmed Janjua is optimistic Pakistan will secure Rio Olympics ticket after winning medals in the upcoming Asian qualification tournament.
“Our eight-member team, comprising five males and three females, will proceed to Manila on April 13 to feature in the Asian qualification tournament besides participating in the Senior Asian Taekwondo Championship and the fourth Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championship,” Wasim told on Monday.
“We had a really good performance in the South Asian Games. Everybody fought well and we expect the same in Manila,” he added.
According to Wasim, 31-year-old Atif, who is at the twilight of his career is in Scotland and will directly catch a flight from there to reach Manlia on April 12, while other athletes will depart on April 13.
“All our athletes are in good shape, but we are pinning our hopes on Atif Arshad and Maryam,” the official added.
Wasim said the four players featuring in qualification tournament would also take part in the Senior Asian Championship and the Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championship along with other athletes. Both these events will also be held in Manila from April 18 to 20.
The Asian qualification event will take place in Manila on April 16-17 and a player who wins gold or silver will qualify for the games.
Squads:
Men’s: Atif Arshad, Mohammad Faheem, Altaf Aziz Malik, Malik Azam Khan, Yasir Javed.
Women’s: Yasmeen Maryam Khan, National Champion Najia Khan, Ayesha Noor.
(Source: Dawn news)
