National taekwondo squad off to Thailand

KABUL): The national taekwondo team on Tuesday left for Thailand to take part in a two-day competition ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. 

More than 40 Asian countries are participating in the championship in Thailand to book a place for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, slated for July 28 to August 4.

The Afghan team included four athletes, two coaches, as many assistants, a doctor and a contingent head, said Taekwondo Federation chief, Ziaul Haq Bakhshi.

He identified the athletes as Roohullah Nikpe for the 58-68 kilograms weight category and Nisar Ahmad Bahawi for the 78-80 kilograms category.

The side also included two female athletes — Nilab Ahmadi for the 47-56 kilograms weight category and Samia Ghulami for the 58-65 kilograms category.

Bakhshi said the athletes had gone through tough practice over the past three months.

Athlete Bahawi said they had been practicing from 9am to 12pm and from 5pm to 9pm daily under the supervision of their coaches.

mm/ma/mud

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