**Pakistan Clinches 12 Medals at Global Taekwondo World Championship in Dubai**
Pakistan achieved a significant milestone on the international sports stage, securing 12 medals at the Global Taekwondo Federation World Championship held in Dubai. The impressive haul included 1 Gold, 6 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in taekwondo.
The championship, hosted at Al Ain Island, featured athletes from 25 countries. Pakistan’s strong performance was punctuated by standout achievements from both male and female competitors, most notably Masood Afridi and three women athletes.
Masood Afridi, hailing from Peshawar and serving as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Global Taekwondo Federation, played a pivotal dual role during the event. On the mat, he captured Gold in the fiercely contested 82kg category, overcoming challenging opponents from Armenia, Russia, and ultimately defeating an American fighter in the final. Afridi further bolstered Pakistan’s tally with a Silver and a Bronze in the Power Breaking category.
Pakistan’s women athletes also shone throughout the competition. Iqra Wakeel collected a Silver in the 64kg fight category and added two Bronze medals in the patterns discipline. Sana Afridi earned a Silver in the 60kg fight category alongside two Bronzes in patterns. Khansa Ayub delivered an equally impressive performance, obtaining a Silver in the 64kg fight and two additional Silvers in patterns.
This collective effort resulted in Pakistan’s historic total of 12 medals, underscoring the dedication and skill of its athletes. In his remarks following the event, Masood Afridi credited the athletes’ success to rigorous preparation, divine blessings, and robust sponsor support. He extended particular thanks to IG FC North Anjuman Riaz and Brigadier Muhammad Shoaib for their encouragement and assistance.
Pakistan’s achievement at this championship has not only elevated its status in the global taekwondo community but also showcased the nation’s ability to compete at the highest levels in the sport.
