Masoud Afridi: A comprehensive strategy prepared to promote global Taekwondo in Pakistan

PESHAWAR
Masoud Afridi, Secretary General of the Pakistan Global Taekwondo Federation and an international athlete, announced that a well-planned strategy has been initiated to promote Global Taekwondo across Pakistan. As part of this plan, training camps have been established in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, and other cities for both male and female athletes. Additionally, technical officials’ courses have been organized to educate participants on the new rules of Global Taekwondo. Preparations for the upcoming National Championship, to be held in Peshawar, are also underway.
Speaking to the media, Masoud Afridi emphasized that if the Pakistan Sports Board, Pakistan Olympic Association, and provincial sports departments provide support similar to that given to other sports, Global Taekwondo athletes could bring great honor to Pakistan on the international stage. He shared that his passion for martial arts started in childhood after observing players at clubs in Bara, Khyber, which only fueled his interest.
Masoud Afridi received Kyokushin Kai Karate training from coaches Aurangzeb and Jabir Afridi. Later, after moving to Peshawar, he trained in kickboxing and jiu-jitsu, winning medals at district and provincial levels, including a silver medal in the National Ju-Jitsu Tournament.
After joining a Taekwondo club at Hayatabad Sports Complex under the supervision of Coach Naveed Habibi, Masoud Afridi represented Pakistan at the International Taekwondo Championship in Kyrgyzstan, where he earned a medal and honed his skills further. He later represented Pakistan in Global Taekwondo competitions in Russia, where he won four gold medals, two silvers, and a bronze across different events.
Masoud Afridi was appointed Secretary General of the Pakistan Global Taekwondo Federation on December 22, 2023, with Nabeel Afridi as President. Since then, efforts to promote Global Taekwondo in Pakistan have ramped up. Training camps have been organized in various cities, including all seven divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attracting a large number of male and female athletes. An inter-division championship was successfully held in Peshawar, and plans are now underway for tournaments at the tribal district level.
In response to a question, Masoud Afridi revealed that plans are in motion not only for the National Global Taekwondo Championship but also for international tournaments. The Federation is in contact with officials from the World Global Taekwondo Federation, and as soon as they receive the green light, preparations will commence.