ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): Aysha Ayaz clinched a gold medal in the 45kg category as the eighth Ranking Taekwondo Championship concluded in Swat, with the Swat National Team securing overall first position in the two-day event.
The championship was recently held by the Regional Sports Office (RSO) Malakand Division, Swat, under the directives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government and the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with the district administration.
Aysha Ayaz delivered an impressive performance in the 45kg weight category to secure the gold medal, emerging as one of the standout athletes of the championship.
Talking to APP after her victory, Aysha Ayaz said that winning a gold medal at a ranking championship was a proud moment for her. She said consistent training, discipline and the support of her coaches and family played a vital role in her success. She expressed hope to represent her region and Pakistan at higher-level national and international competitions in the future.
Aysha Ayaz is regarded as one of Pakistan’s promising young taekwondo athletes. She has won a total of 11 international medals, including four gold, three silver and four bronze medals, in various international competitions. Her international appearances include events held in Dubai (2020), Thailand (2022), Qatar (2023), Malaysia (2025) and Indonesia (2025).
She has also received more than 150 awards in recognition of her sporting achievements, including government awards, HBL PSL Hamra Heroes Awards, National Youth Awards, Pakistan Star Awards and Women Power Awards, reflecting her consistent performance and contribution to the promotion of women’s sports.
According to the final results, the Swat National Team topped the medal table with 14 gold, three silver and two bronze medals, accumulating 254 points. The Swat Taekwondo Team secured second position with one gold, eight silver and three bronze medals, scoring 116 points, while the Dir Upper Team finished third with two gold, four silver and two bronze medals, totaling 84 points.
The Multan Taekwondo Team stood fourth with two gold, two silver and four bronze medals, followed by Dir Lower Team in fifth position. Commando Lower Dir, Elite Upper Dir, International Taekwondo Team, Aysha Ayaz Taekwondo Academy and I.P.S Taekwondo Team also featured in the final standings.
The closing ceremony was attended by Regional Sports Officer Malakand Division, Swat, Tariq Muhammad, as chief guest, along with representatives of the Swat Taekwondo Association.
During the ceremony, trophies and cash prizes were distributed among the successful teams and outstanding players. Addressing the athletes, the Regional Sports Officer said the provincial government and the Directorate General of Sports were committed to promoting sports among youth and would continue to organise such healthy and positive sporting activities in the future.
At the conclusion of the event, organisers and players thanked the Regional Sports Office for its support and cooperation in successfully conducting the championship.