Pakistan’s Shahzeb Khan clinches gold medal in Asian Taekwondo Open Championship

Pakistani martial artist Shahzeb Khan secured the gold medal after defeating the Philippines' Calamba in the final of the -54kg category at the Asia Open Kyorugi Taekwondo Championship.

The championship is ongoing in Tangerang, Indonesia, and will conclude on October 18.

In the first round, Calamba led by 11 points to 6 against Shahzeb. The Pakistani athlete rallied and won by 10-3 in the second round.

He continued his impressive play in the third round, scoring 18-0 to earn Pakistan's first gold medal in the event.

Earlier, Shahzeb advanced to the final by defeating Hidayat Tomakaka of Indonesia 12-14, 16-14, and 22-0 in the semi-final.

In the +87 weight category final, Kazakhstan's Kablan claimed the gold medal by defeating Pakistan's Hamza Saeed, who settled for silver with a final score of 5-1 and 4-4 points.

Maliha Ali, representing Pakistan at the Asia Open Taekwondo Championship, secured a bronze medal in the -73kg category.

Another Pakistani martial arts athlete, Ikhtsham-ul-Haq, brought home a silver medal in the (-87kg) category. During a thrilling final match, he was overwhelmed by Malaysia's Zubair.

Pakistan Olympic Association President Syed Abid Qadri, Secretary General Khalid Mahmood, Chairperson Special Olympics Pakistan Ronak Lakhani, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation President Col Waseem Janjua and CEO Omar Saeed congratulated Shahzeb on his gold medal victory.