Pakistani Manisha Ali and Maliha Ali, have made their country proud by winning gold and bronze medals at the Asian Taekwondo Championship 2024 in Indonesia. The 6th edition of this championship showcased top-level athletes from across Asia, and the Ali sisters delivered stellar performances, further raising Pakistan’s profile in international sports.
Manisha Ali claimed the gold medal in the over 73kg category, demonstrating her exceptional taekwondo skills and solidifying her status as one of Pakistan’s finest athletes. Her twin sister, Maliha Ali, competing in the 73kg category, earned a bronze medal, adding to the family’s remarkable achievements at the Asian Taekwondo Championship 2024.
Both sisters are currently studying at Lahore Garrison University under a special sports program and hail from the scenic region of Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan. Their success at the Asian Taekwondo Championship 2024 marks a historic moment for Pakistani women in martial arts and serves as an inspiration for future generations.
The Pakistani taekwondo contingent, consisting of 16 members, is participating in the championship held in Tangerang, Indonesia, from October 15 to 18, 2024. The event features more than 275 athletes from nations including India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, and host Indonesia.
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Pakistan’s male athletes competing include Haroon Khan (-58 kg), Numan Khan (-63 kg), Saud Alam (-63 kg), Muhammad Arbaz Khan (-68 kg), Mazhar Abbas (-80 kg), Ikhtsham-ul-Haq (-87 kg), and Hamza Omar Saeed (+87 kg). Alongside Manisha Ali (+73 kg) and Maliha Ali (-73 kg), Noor Rahman (-57 kg) also represented Pakistan in the women’s team.
The team is led by Lieutenant Colonel Zeeshan Aslam as the team leader, with Master Yusuf Karami serving as head coach. Syed Sadaqat Hussain acts as the team manager, and Faisal Nadeem Butt supports the squad as the physio.
In a historic milestone for athletics in the region, Pakistan will host the South Asian Cross Country Athletics Championship 2024 for the first time ever. Slated for November 24 in Islamabad, this prestigious event will showcase elite athletes from seven South Asian nations, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Officials from the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) announced that the government has granted necessary clearances for all participating teams, ensuring smooth international participation, including India’s delegation.
