PESHAWAR : After making history at the Global Taekwondo Federation World Championship in Dubai, Pakistan’s national team received a grand reception upon their return at Peshawar Airport. The arrival turned into a festive occasion as fans, family members, sports enthusiasts, and officials gathered in large numbers to honor the victorious athletes with garlands and shower them with flowers.
Pakistan’s athletes showcased exceptional talent at the prestigious event, competing against 25 nations and securing 1 Gold, 6 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals. Leading the charge was Masood Afridi, General Secretary of Pakistan Global Taekwondo Federation, who emerged as the star performer by clinching Gold in the 82kg category and adding one Silver and one Bronze in the power-breaking events. Afridi’s stellar performance included victories over fighters from Armenia and Russia before defeating an American opponent in the final.
The female athletes of the team also shone brightly. Iqra Wakeel, Sana Afridi, and Khansa Ayub earned multiple medals in both the fight and pattern categories, bringing home a mix of Silver and Bronze and making the nation proud.
As the team stepped out of the airport, chants of “Pakistan Zindabad!” and “Salute to the Taekwondo Team!” filled the air. The athletes were then escorted in a celebratory motorcade to their homes, where local festivities continued in their honor.
Speaking to the media, Masood Afridi attributed this success to “the grace of Almighty Allah, relentless hard work of the athletes, and the unwavering prayers of the nation.” He extended special thanks to IG FC North Anjuman Riaz and Brigadier Muhammad Shoaib for their invaluable support to the team.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
