From Waziristan to world champion: Arsalan Asad’s golden feat

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News Desk

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Arsalan Asad from South Waziristan, in tribal region of Pakhtunkhwa, has won Pakistan’s first gold at the US Open G2 Taekwondo Championships in the -80kg category.

In the rugged, sun-scorched mountains of South Waziristan, where tales of resilience are etched into the land, a young boy dreamt of a stage far beyond the tribal valleys. Years later, Arsalan Asad leaped into history, becoming Pakistan’s first-ever gold medallist at the US Open G2 Taekwondo Championships.

Arsalan’s story began in a region better known for conflict than champions. Training in makeshift gyms, he honed his skills under the mentorship of Muhammad Zar Khan. Tragically, the coach would not live to see Asad’s feat.

The journey to Reno

Arriving in Reno, Arsalan carried more than just his gear; he bore the hopes of a nation. The -80kg division buzzed with elite athletes, but Arsalan moved like a storm. In the quarterfinals, Brady Scott of the USA fell swiftly (2-0), his strikes no match for Arsalan’s precision. The semifinals saw Carlos Sepulveda, another American, unravel under Arsalan’s relentless tempo (2-0). Each victory was a silent tribute to his roots, a defiance of the odds stacked against a boy from Waziristan.

The final showdown

The climax came against Norway’s Robert Honningdalsnes, a towering figure with a reputation for dominance. The first round was a blur of missteps—Arsalan faltered, losing 8-4. Spectators murmured, but in the corner, Master Sunny Park, his current coach, leaned in.  “Remember why you’re here. For Zar Khan. For Pakistan.”

Arsalan erupted in the second round, his kicks a whirlwind of controlled fury. He levelled the score, then clinched the third round with a spinning hook kick that left the crowd breathless. The scoreboard flashed 2-1.

Tears, tributes, and a nation’s hope

In an emotional tribute, Arsalan dedicated the historic victory to his late coach, Shaheed Zar Khan, acknowledging his invaluable role in his journey and training him at the Waziristan Azamree Taekwondo Team.

Arsalan clutched the medal on the podium to his chest, tears mingling with triumph. “This is for my coach, Shaheed Zar Khan, who taught me to rise even when the world says fall,” he declared, his voice breaking. He also recognized Dr Muhammad Farooq for his unwavering support.

He thanked the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation, President Wasim Ahmed for their faith, and Master Park, whose state-of-the-art facility in Islamabad had sharpened his raw talent into world-class skill.

But Arsalan’s vision stretched beyond glory. “I want every child in Pakistan—especially those in places like Waziristan—to see this and believe. No barrier is too high, no dream too distant. I hope this serves as motivation to believe in your dreams—no matter the obstacles, hard work and faith can take you to the top,” Arsalan shared.

A legacy unlocked

Arsalan Asad’s gold is more than a medal; it’s a beacon. In a nation where sports heroes are often cricketers, he’s rewritten the script. Social media erupted with #WaziristanWarrior, as young Pakistanis posted videos mimicking his kicks in alleys and schoolyards.

Arsalan’s triumph at the US Open G2 Championships isn’t just a victory—it’s a revolution, one kick at a time.