World Taekwondo: Pakistan set to participate in Greece Open

The federation will be fielding three Europe-based athletes

KARACHI: The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) will kick-off its calendar year by sending a three-member team to the Greece Open World Taekwondo Federation G1 Senior/Cadets Championship in Thessaloniki on January 16.

According to PTF President Wasim Ahmed, the athletes — Scotland-based Atief Arshad and Abdul Wahab and Denmark-based youngster Sami Latif — will compete in Greece under the auspices of Korean coach PK Lou.

“It is essential for Pakistan to at least participate in the international event,” Ahmed told The Express Tribune. “We are focused on Europe-based athletes for the Greece Open because it is easier for them to travel for the tournament, while sending players from Pakistan is challenging due to visa issues.”

Ahmed said that the event will be featuring top European athletes, and Pakistan is pinning its hopes on 17-year-old Latif in the 68kg event, while seasoned athletes Arshad and Wahab also have the ability to give breakthrough performances.

“Latif is a young boy with a lot of potential in him, while Arshad is a strong man. Our aim is to see our athletes among the rest of the international circuit, raising the country’s flag. And you never know if they may cause a surprise.”

Meanwhile, another foreign-based player, 16-year-old Yasmeen, will make her debut at the US Open on January 20 in Florida.

Ahmed said that Yasmeen is the daughter of Pakistani seven dan [rank] master Sohail Ali Khan and is ready to represent the country at US-based events.

“It will be a good start to the year, having athletes represent Pakistan in both Europe and the US. We will also be sending athletes for the 2016 Rio Olympics’ qualification rounds later on,” he added.

 

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