Pakistan gears up for Commonwealth event

Taekwondo president pins hopes on husband-wife duo to win medals

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) confirmed that the country will be fielding at least nine athletes in the sixth Commonwealth Taekwondo Championship, taking place at the Meadowbank Stadium, Scotland from November 13, including one female athlete Caroline Atief.

PTF President Wasim Ahmed said that Pakistan’s representation in the Commonwealth Championship is important in order to send out a positive message to the international circuit.

“Competing in these events is essential,” Ahmed told The Express Tribune. “We need to at least participate in the events, and enable our athletes to showcase their talents.”

Ahmed is banking his hopes on Atief Arshad to win a medal for Pakistan in the senior’s male -80kg event, as the 29-year-old had earlier competed in the Asian Games as well.

“Atief should win a silver or a gold medal,” said Wasim. “We’ve been featuring him in international events and he has the required talent. So far, he has performed brilliantly, but is unable to shine, so I’m hoping he can win a medal this time.”

Ahmed, who will also be the coach and the manager for the team, said the highlight will be Caroline’s participation in the Commonwealth event. Caroline is Atief’s wife and has been training along with her husband in Scotland.

“We ensured that Caroline gets a global license to compete for Pakistan in the event, although she is a British citizen,” said Ahmed.

The event is featuring 23 countries, while most athletes are coming from Scotland, England and Australia.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2014.

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