KARACHI:Pakistan’s top taekwondo player Haroon Khan lamented for being unable to qualify for the Olympics on his return Amman, Jordan where he lost his semifinal bout to Asian No.1 Ramnarang SawekWiharee of Thailand in World Taekwondo Olympic Qualifying round.
He said he disappointed for not qualifying for the pinnacle Olympics event. He said that Covid-19 impacted the training ahead of the big event. Another player Taimoor Saeed said that the team was training for three months. But it was called off due to the pandemic.
“It affected our physical fitness,” he said. “We have skillful talent in taekwondo which needs government patronage to promote at grass root level and invest in our future players.” Another playing said that Olympic qualifying round gave an opportunity to Pakistan players to gain experience by fighting against best players.
“This exposure will benefit us in future events,” she said. Team leader Omar Saeed said the training camp was held from December to February but coronavirus third wave forced them to stop training and send players back.
Team’s schedule was to visit Bulgaria and Uzbekistan for international events and training, which were also called off. “The result would’ve been better if the coronavirus did not have hindered players’ training,” he claimed.
He further said that he was satisfied with team’s performance as two athletes played till the quarterfinals and Haroon made it till the semifinals. “Korean coach is expected to come to Pakistan in July this year. Steps are being taken to send talented players abroad for training by the federation,” he added.