Ayesha Ayaz, a 12-year-old athlete from Pakistan, amazed the world by winning three medals at the International Taekwondo Championship in Bangkok, Thailand. Competing in the Under-12 category, Ayesha secured one silver and two bronze medals in the 42kg class, defeating players from three countries. The championship saw the participation of over 2,200 athletes from 40 countries.
Earlier this year, Ayesha won a gold medal at the Al-Fujria International event in Dubai, bringing her total international medal count to seven. She was the sole representative from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to compete in the championship in Thailand.
In related news, a fourteen-member Pakistan taekwondo team has been announced to represent the country at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, scheduled for September 23.
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) will sponsor ten athletes and officials, while the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) will cover the expenses of the remaining four members. The team consists of eight athletes and six officials, with the PSB providing financial support and training for the athletes. Pakistan aims to make a mark at the Asian Games, hoping to secure medals in the taekwondo event, where 13 gold medals will be up for grabs.