Pakistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, welcomed the National Taekwondo Team of Uzbekistan at the Embassy in Tashkent, ahead of the squad’s departure for Lahore to compete in the 8th World Taekwondo President’s Cup.
In a post shared on X, Ambassador Mudassir said he was “immensely delighted” to host the Uzbek athletes, who are set to represent their country at the prestigious tournament next week.
The ambassador briefed the team on Pakistan’s “inescapable beauty,” its rich cultural heritage, and the diversity of its landscapes and people.
He expressed hope that the young athletes would leave inspired by the country’s “hidden treasures,” and that their visit would give them a fuller picture of Pakistan beyond the headlines.
Immensely delighted to welcome the National Taekwondo Team of Uzbekistan at the Embassy today. The Uzbek athletes will be traveling to Pakistan to participate in the 8th World Taekwondo President’s Cup taking place in Lahore next week. I briefed them about Pakistan’s inescapable… pic.twitter.com/4GPqCJhNTO
— Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) August 12, 2026
Turning to the competition itself, Ambassador Mudassir told the team to expect a fierce contest from their Pakistani counterparts, describing the hosts as “tough and indomitable” opponents.
He urged the Uzbek athletes to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, compete hard, and return home with lasting memories of their time in Pakistan.
He added that the trip would help further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Islamabad and Tashkent, a partnership that has grown steadily in recent years across trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. The ambassador closed his message with best wishes for the team’s performance in Lahore.
The tournament the Uzbek team is traveling for, the 8th World Taekwondo President’s Cup (Asian Region) 2026, is scheduled to run from August 17 to 21 at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Lahore.
It marks the first time Pakistan is hosted this event, and organizers have described it as one of the largest international taekwondo competitions the country has ever staged.
Pakistan Taekwondo Federation Chairman Col (R) Wasim Ahmad Janjua has said the event is expected to draw close to 900 athletes from roughly 35 to 38 countries across Asia, competing in both kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (patterns) disciplines.
Pakistan secured hosting rights after a competitive bidding process that saw off rival bids from China and Vietnam. Janjua has called the tournament a major milestone for Pakistani taekwondo and a valuable testing ground for local athletes ahead of future international assignments, including the 2028 Olympic Games.
For many Asian fighters, it doubles as a key preparatory outing ahead of the Asian Games in Japan next month. Senior officials from World Taekwondo and the Asian Taekwondo Union are also expected to attend.
