“Hi Hangzhou! I already have an itch to try my best! All preparations for the Asian Games are in order. Pakistan Asia Federation has done a lot for us, providing training equipment and facilities. Hopefully we can help our country win medals in Hangzhou,” highlighted Abdul Khaliq, a Pakistani Wushu player in an exclusive interview.
According to Khaliq, he is a 60kg competitor, as well as a seasoned veteran. “I started training Wushu in 2008, and it has been 15 years now. So far, I have done pretty well. The competition in this event in Pakistan is also very fierce. In 2023 Asian Games, we hope to strive for medals. In addition to our brother China, Iran also has many masters in this field. There is no doubt that our game will be very exciting. Let’s wait and see.”
“For us, not everyone has the opportunity to own the most professional equipment. Besides, reasonable diet and nutrition planning also requires professional nutritionists. In my country, not every athlete has all these opportunities. Although my training conditions are not the top-ranking, I am very lucky to have everything I have now. Here and now, fight for my country is all I eager to do,” the veteran emphasized, looking forward to the upcoming competition.
The reporter also listened to the athlete talk about his story in China. “This is of course not my first time competing in China, where climate is pleasant, the people are friendly, and the equipment they provide for racing is undoubtedly top-notch. In 2019, we went to China to participate in the International Championships. Back then, we not only enjoyed fierce competition but also had the opportunity to visit stunning tourist attractions. Thus, I didn’t have any worries about the 2023 game, worry just became a burden. As an athlete, doing your best is enough.”
Talking about Wushu itself, as we all know, it is not a traditional sports event in Pakistan. “Our Wushu competition consists of four to five events such as boxing, karate, gymnastics, wrestling, etc.,” Malik Iftikhar Ahmed, founder of Pakistani Wushu sports, told Gwadar Pro, with heartfelt pride. “In two decades from 2003 to 2023, except for 2018, we have never returned empty-handed from an international competition, including Islamic Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games or any level championship, Pakistani Wushu athletes can impress people.”
