Quetta's Haroon Khan eyes victory in Taekwondo Asian qualifying round for Tokyo Olympics
Pakistan’s highly talented Taekwondo fighter Haroon Khan is determined to give his best in the Asian qualifying round for 2020 Tokyo Olympics in China in spring this year.
Pakistan’s highly talented Taekwondo fighter Haroon Khan is determined to put in his best effort in the Asian qualifying round for 2020 Tokyo Olympics, in China in spring in early April.
While giving an interview from his hometown, Haroon Khan said,
"Yes, Asian qualifying round is my main target and I am very much confident to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Although Asian qualifying round will not be easy, I believe that the way I have been delivering in various international events I am hopeful I will spring a surprise at the major stage. "
Haroon made his SAG debut in 2016 in India and currently plays in -58 KG category and is regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters Pakistan has ever produced. At just 21 years old he has a long way to go. Besides winning seven national Golds, Haroon also grabbed a gold medal at the recently concluded 13th South Asian Games in Nepal. He also won a couple of bronze medals in events in Jordan and Iran.
Haroon last year, also featured in the Tokyo Olympics Test Event, where he defeated China’s national fighter.
Haroon shot to fame when he performed exceptionally well in the World Championships in Manchester last year. He defeated the 2016 European Championship gold medalist Mourad Laachraoui of Belgium in the round of 32 and in the round of 64, Haroon defeated Ralph Honeine of Lebanon. However, he went down to Portugal’s Rui Braganca in the pre-quarter-final.
Haroon started Taekwondo when he was a kid but adopted the game after doing his intermediate. He wants Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) to provide him with a few events before going for Asian qualifiers.
“I have told the PTF president Waseem sahib that I will need events instead of foreign training as that will make me mature and prepare for tough assignments.”
PTF President, Col Mohammad Waseem said that they were planning to send Haroon and a few other fighters to Korea for a month-long training.
"I am going to meet with the federal government sports officials tomorrow. We want to begin a camp for a bunch of talented fighters from January 6 in Islamabad."
So far, three shooters and one athlete have qualified for Tokyo 2020. Judoka Shah Hussain is expected to be among Pakistan’s contingent for Tokyo 2020 as he still holds the top seat in Asia. He has to only hold that position till the end of May.
