Taekwondo in Pakistan

Taekwondo is by far the fastest growing sport in Pakistan. Taekwondo clubs are present in every major city (and a lot of towns), where people of all ages come to learn and taekwondo. There has been a surge in taekwondo activities in schools, as more and more schools appreciate the importance of sports and extracurricular activities.fact|date=January 2008

History

WTF taekwondo started in Pakistan during the 1970s when some Korean taekwondo masters visited there and established a handful of clubs. Over the years it has spread all over the country, albeit slowly for most part. However, it seems to have enjoyed more growth than any other sport (arguably), during the last ten years.fact|date=January 2008

Taekwondo's Progression

Thanks to this increased popularity more educated people are coming into its fold and taekwondo getting more attention by the sports authorities as well. When Pakistan participated in SAF games this year, taekwondo players did the nation proud by bagging 3 gold medals and a handful of silvers and bronze. Such a feat seemed unimaginable, a decade before.

Better administration, enthusiastic players and better coaching, all are contributing to the overall betterment of taekwondo quality in Pakistan. For the last four 5 years, the Pakistan national team has continued to enjoy the expertise of Korean coaches, and the technical officiating has also improved thanks to referee courses and extensive workshops for officials, organized by combined efforts of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation, PSB, as well as the IOC.

Accomplishments

Last year, Pakistan team participated in World Juinor Taekwondo Championships, for the first time, where Taufeeq went on to be ranked 12th in the world junior rankings. This year, Pakistan team participated in World senior Championships in China. On the local front, this year's National Games at Karachi, saw sporting rivalry at its best when Pak Army, Pak Railways and Wapda, tkd teams competed fiercely on the mat. The quality of taekwondo was amazing during these competitions, as finals went to fourth rounds and breathtaking action was witnessed. Pakistan now has its 1st four official National Referees (after the referee courses were conducted) namely, Hafiz Malik Mohammad Shahzad (Pak Railways), Master Shaukat Fazal (Pindi), Irshad and Muhammad Khan (Pak Army). Pakistan Taekwondo is gradually enhancing its (previously shoddy) infrastructure under the new head, Col. Waseem Ahmed, and his efforts are truly leading Pak TKD towards a better future, in every aspect.

References

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