Former coach and captain Wasim Shehzad appointed Punjab Taekwondo Association president

Former Pakistan taekwondo coach and captain Wasim Shehzad has been appointed as the new president of the Punjab Taekwondo Association

LAHORE (Sports Reporter): Former Pakistan taekwondo coach and captain Wasim Shehzad has been appointed as the new president of the Punjab Taekwondo Association for the remaining term of the current office.

The appointment follows the decision of outgoing association president Mushtaq Ahmed, who is reportedly unwell and unable to continue carrying out his responsibilities. Ahmed has formally informed the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), Punjab Olympic Association and Punjab Sports Board about the change through an official notification.

According to the notification, Ahmed nominated Wasim Shehzad to assume the presidency for the remainder of the existing term. The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation has subsequently confirmed Shehzad’s appointment as president of the Punjab Taekwondo Association.

PTF Chairman Colonel (retd) Wasim Ahmed Janjua welcomed the appointment and expressed his best wishes to the newly appointed provincial president.

He said Shehzad had made significant contributions to the development of taekwondo in Pakistan and that his experience as a player, coach, manager and captain would be valuable for the promotion of the sport in Punjab.

Wasim Shehzad is a former international taekwondo player and has represented Pakistan in international events in different capacities. He has served as a player, coach, manager and team captain and holds a 5th Dan Kukkiwon qualification and 6th Dan PTF certification.

For the past 16 years, Shehzad has also been serving as a representative of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation at the headquarters of the World Taekwondo organisation in Korea, according to the association.

His recent responsibilities included serving as Chief Security Officer on behalf of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation during the World Taekwondo President’s Cup.

The association said his extensive experience in international taekwondo and his long association with the federation were among the factors behind his nomination for the provincial presidency.

The appointment is expected to bring Shehzad’s experience in international competition, administration and athlete management to the provincial association. His responsibilities will include supporting the development of taekwondo activities in Punjab and working with relevant sports bodies and affiliated organisations.

Meanwhile, Mushtaq Ahmed’s notification also referred to correspondence concerning his health and the continuation of his responsibilities. In the notification, Ahmed reportedly rejected an undated letter issued by PTF Secretary Dr Izhhar-ul-Haq regarding his illness.

The Punjab Taekwondo Association is expected to continue its activities under Shehzad’s leadership for the remaining period of the current term.

The new president brings several years of experience in both competitive and administrative aspects of taekwondo. His international exposure, particularly through his association with the sport’s headquarters in Korea, is also expected to assist the provincial body in strengthening coordination and promoting opportunities for players.

PTF Chairman Colonel (retd) Wasim Ahmed Janjua said the federation looked forward to benefiting from Shehzad’s experience and wished him success in his new responsibilities.

The appointment comes as Punjab’s taekwondo community prepares for the next phase of provincial sporting activities, with the focus remaining on athlete development, competition and the promotion of the martial art across the province.