Pakistan’s Shahzeb Khan claimed the gold medal in the -54 kg weight category at the Asia Open Khyurogi Taekwondo Championship, defeating Calamba of the Philippines in a dramatic final held in Indonesia. This marks Pakistan’s first gold medal in the competition.
In the opening round of the final, Calamba led with 11 points while Shahzeb managed to score 6. However, Shahzeb made a strong comeback in the second round, dominating with a 10-3 score. He then delivered an exceptional performance in the third round, winning 18-0 to secure his gold medal victory.
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Path to the final and Hamza Saeed’s silver
Earlier, Shahzeb advanced to the final by overcoming Indonesia’s Hidayat Tomakaka in the semi-final with scores of 12-14, 16-14, and an emphatic 22-0 in the final round of the match.
In the +87 kg weight category, Hamza Saeed of Pakistan secured a silver medal after being defeated by Kazakhstan’s Kablan. Kablan won the final with a 5-1 lead in the first round and a 4-4 tie in the second.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Olympic Association President Syed Abid Qadri, Secretary General Khalid Mahmood, Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani, and Pakistan Taekwondo Federation President Col. (R) Waseem Janjua congratulated both Shahzeb and Hamza for their outstanding achievements.
Furthermore, CEO Pakistan Taekwondo Federation Omar Saeed also extended his praise, celebrating the athletes for bringing home gold and silver medals for the nation.