ISLAMABAD, Sep 06 (APP):Eight sibling0s from a single family in Mingora created a remarkable record by winning six gold and two silver medals at the 4th Azadi Cup Taekwondo Championship 2026 held in Swat. The eight young athletes belong to the family of international taekwondo coach Ayaz Naik, who is also General Secretary of the Malakand Region, and all of them returned with medals from the same tournament. Ayaz Naik …
Eight Siblings make Taekwondo history, Bag Six Golds, Two Silvers at Swat Azadi Cup
ISLAMABAD, Sep 06 (APP):Eight sibling0s from a single family in Mingora created a remarkable record by winning six gold and two silver medals at the 4th Azadi Cup Taekwondo Championship 2026 held in Swat.
The eight young athletes belong to the family of international taekwondo coach Ayaz Naik, who is also General Secretary of the Malakand Region, and all of them returned with medals from the same tournament.
Ayaz Naik told APP that Ayesha Ayaz, Zaryab Khan, Azan Khan, Zarrar Khan, Arman Khan and Gulalai Ayaz won gold medals, while Mahak Ayaz and Ziab Khan secured silver medals.
He said Ayesha, Zaryab and Gulalai had already represented Pakistan at international level, while the latest performance of all eight siblings showed the growing taekwondo talent in Swat.
The championship brought together more than 100 male and female athletes from across Malakand Division, providing young players an opportunity to compete and display their skills.
A total of 10 teams from six districts participated in the championship. The participating districts included Shangla, Swat, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Buner and Bajaur, while Swat was represented by three teams.
The championship was held under the supervision of Ayaz Naik.
Naik told APP that the strong participation of female athletes was an encouraging sign and showed that girls in the region were increasingly coming forward in martial arts and competitive sports.
Swat Taekwondo Academy secured first position, while Dir Upper Taekwondo Teams finished second. Players in both boys’ and girls’ categories received medals and certificates for their performances.
The eight siblings remained a major highlight of the championship, winning a combined eight medals six gold and two silver for their family.
The championship was aimed at promoting taekwondo at the grassroots level and providing young male and female athletes from Malakand Division with a competitive platform.
Naik said the participation of more than 100 athletes showed that Swat and other districts of Malakand Division had considerable talent in taekwondo and other martial arts.
He congratulated the winners, participating athletes and coaches and expressed the hope that such competitions would help talented youngsters progress from regional competitions to national and international events.
