ISLAMABAD: A Taekwondo Centre of Excellence would be established here as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and its Korean counterpart.
According to PTF, last week a three-member delegation of the Gyeonggi-do Taekwondo Association (GTA) from Korea visited the federal capital to finalise the modalities of establishing the Taekwondo Centre of Excellence in Pakistan.
The three-member delegation, led by GTA President Kim Kyuengduk, included Executive Director, Kim Pyeong and Director Mun He Sung and was welcomed by Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, Acting Director General Pakistan Sports Board Muhammad Ibrar, President Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) Col. (R) Waseem Janjua, Korean Poomsae head coach Choi Seong and other officials.
The GTA delegation visited different locations of the twin cities to finalise the modalities of establishing the centre of excellence as PTF and GTA signed an MOU to cooperate in the development of matters of mutual interest of this sport in both countries.
“We are very happy to be here in Pakistan to find out options to establish a centre of excellence for taekwondo and martial arts games here,” said GTA President Kim Kyuengduk, adding that the Gyeonggi-do Taekwondo Association wants to support Pakistan and its talented kids to enhance their skills in the field of taekwondo.
Kyuengduk said the Association wanted to establish the project due to the efforts made by PTF in the last few years. “Pakistan is like a central headquarters for South and West Asian countries.”
“I am very happy to receive a warm welcome from the Federal Minister as he promised me that he will receive me when I visit Pakistan. Ehsan Mazari is a very kind person whose top priority is to promote sports in Pakistan,” he added.
He said GTA would continue their support with mutual cooperation. “After establishing a centre of excellence, we will hold training camps, seminars, and technical courses for players and officials to enhance their skills not only in taekwondo but also in other forms of martial arts.