Pakistani twin sisters Manisha Ali and Maliha Ali have made their country proud by securing gold and bronze medals at the 6th Asian Taekwondo Championship in Indonesia.
The sisters, hailing from Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan, represented Pakistan with exceptional performances that have garnered national and international attention.
Manisha Ali strikes gold, Maliha Ali claims bronze
Manisha Ali took home the gold medal in the over 73 kg category, showcasing remarkable skill and determination. Her sister, Maliha Ali, earned a bronze medal earlier in the championship, competing in the 73 kg category.
Both athletes are currently enrolled at Lahore Garrison University under a special programme, balancing their academic pursuits with their dedication to sports.
The 6th Asian Open Kyorugi Taekwondo Championship, held from October 15 to 18 at the Indore Stadium Sports Center in Tangerang, Indonesia, featured over 275 athletes from across Asia. Competitors from countries including India, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and host Indonesia participated in the event, which highlighted the best of Asian martial arts talent.
The Pakistani contingent, consisting of 16 members, included standout male athletes such as Haroon Khan (-58 kg), Numan Khan (-63 kg), and Mazhar Abbas (-80 kg), among others. On the women’s team, Manisha and Maliha Ali’s performances were the highlight of the competition. The team was led by Lieutenant Colonel Zeeshan Aslam, with Master Yusuf Karami as head coach and Syed Sadaqat Hussain serving as team manager.
The Ali sisters’ achievement has been widely celebrated, reflecting their hard work and dedication to taekwondo, as well as a significant victory for Pakistan on the international sports stage.