Pakistan is currently hosting the 5th Asian Open Taekwondo Championship, underscoring its growing influence in the global sports arena. Taekwondo, an Olympic discipline recognized in 213 nations, holds a special status within Pakistan's sporting landscape.
With the aim of promoting the sport, the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation back in 1977. Since then, Pakistan has actively participated in a variety of international events, including the Taekwondo National Games, South Asian Games, Asian Games, Islamic Games, and all martial arts competitions.
Taking place in Islamabad from November 1st to 5th, 2023, the ongoing event will see Pakistan as the host for senior poomsae and kyorugi categories, drawing competitors from 27 countries, including 26 provincial and regional teams.
Remarkably, the 5th Asian Open Taekwondo Championship will feature the participation of the "President Asian Taekwondo Union" for the first time in taekwondo history. In the previous edition of the championship held in Lahore, Pakistan's team made the nation proud by securing three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal, earning the second position.
Egypt claimed the top spot with six gold and two silver medals. Pakistan's journey in taekwondo reached a significant milestone in 2016 when it earned a bronze medal in the Olympic qualification round.
Furthermore, two Pakistani athletes were honored with the prestigious Presidential Award for their exceptional achievements in the sport.