Renowned Pakistani actor and producer Fahad Mustafa has heartily congratulated the national athletes Tayyaba Ashraf and Sambal Fatima who won medals in Hero International Taekwondo Open Championship held in Thailand. Fahad Mustafa hailed the success of the two players through his verified Instagram account, which is being loved by social media users.

Cricket has traditionally received the most attention in Pakistan, but young athletes from martial arts and other sports are also making their mark internationally. Tayyaba Ashraf and Sambal Fatima have achieved this honor with limited resources and personal hard work, which is a proud moment for the entire country.

Encouraging players by Fahad Mustafa

When big personalities in showbiz and media highlight the achievements of athletes in sports other than cricket, it sends a positive message to the society. A sport like Taekwondo does not get the financial support and government patronage it deserves in Pakistan. Praise from artists like Fahad Mustafa gives these games a place in the mainstream media.

Our players often travel to foreign countries to compete at their own expense. Yet talented daughters like Tayyaba Ashraf and Sambal Fatima prove that lack of resources is no obstacle if determination is strong.

Challenges faced by Pakistani Taekwondo athletes

Participation in international competitions requires expensive equipment, foreign coaching and tournament fees. Most martial arts athletes bear these expenses themselves.

  • Players have to travel internationally on their own funds.
  • Lack of regular funding and support from Pakistan Sports Board.
  • Media coverage is negligible except for major tournaments.

What should you do?

As a conscious citizen you can encourage such athletes by sharing their achievements on social media. Also raise voice for promotion of local sports so that government distributes sports grants transparently to deserving athletes.

What to look forward to?

Keep an eye out for national level competitions in the coming weeks where Tayyaba Ashraf and Sambal Fatima will perform next. It will be important to see if the government bodies provide financial support to these talented players for future international competitions or not.