Masood Afridi, a young athlete from Khyber district, has made Pakistan proud by winning gold at the Global Taekwondo World Championship in Dubai. Competing against top athletes from 25 countries, Afridi secured not only the gold but also three additional medals, adding to his previous victories in Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
Growing up in a region once troubled by extremism and poverty, Afridi faced many hardships. He lost his father at a young age and struggled with limited opportunities. Yet, he refused to give up, dedicating himself to education and sports.
In 2023, when Taekwondo was still emerging in Pakistan, Afridi took the initiative to introduce the Global Taekwondo Federation in the country. He trained himself and other local youth, paving the way for international success.
His journey wasn’t easy. Before the 2023 Kyrgyzstan championship, his visa was rejected 23 times before finally being approved—just two days before the event. To cover his travel expenses, he even sold his mobile phone.
Today, as the General Secretary of the Global Taekwondo Federation Pakistan, Afridi’s achievements inspire countless young athletes. His story proves that with determination, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
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