Javed Iqbal
Correspondent
Syed Javed Iqbal is a distinguished and seasoned sports journalist with over two decades of excellence in the field of sports media. He has been a prominent figure on some of Pakistan’s leading news channels, including ARY News, Aaj News, and 24 News, earning widespread recognition for his insightful reporting and comprehensive coverage. Throughout his illustrious career, Syed Javed Iqbal has reported from the frontlines of some of the world’s most prestigious international sporting events. His coverage includes six ICC Cricket World Cups, the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games, World Table Tennis Championships, Volleyball World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, Japan Open, Champions Trophy, Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the Asia Cup in hockey. His assignments have taken him across the globe to countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia, England, France, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Known for his on-ground presence and in-depth analysis, Syed Javed Iqbal has earned national and international acclaim as a credible and authoritative voice in sports journalism.
Ashraf Tai was a martial arts grandmaster, a 10th degree Dan (Black Belt), a 2-time Afro-Asian Martial Arts champion (1978-1979) and a 9-time Pakistan karate champion.
Facebook/Muhammad Ashraf Tai
Ashraf Tai, the legendary figure who introduced martial arts to Pakistan, is seriously ill and is currently battling illness and financial hardship.
After dedicating half a century to elevating Pakistan's reputation in the sport, Tai is now struggling with heart and kidney disease, and is in dire need of financial support.
Tai requires urgent angiography, but his family's financial struggles are hindering his access to timely medical care.
His wife Syeda Samina Shah says that due to financial difficulties, she is not in a position to get expensive treatment since the family’s income is not even enough to support herself and pay the house rent.
According to the details, in the early 1970s, when Bruce Lee in Hollywood movies suddenly captivated the youth with his unique style and Nunchucks, Ashraf Tai came to Pakistan from Burma and introduced martial arts in the country. As he rose to heights of fame, he participated in many international competitions.
Tai was a martial arts grandmaster, a 10th degree Dan (Black Belt), a 2-time Afro-Asian Martial Arts Champion (1978-1979) and a 9-time Pakistan Karate Champion.
Tai with one of his students at a belt promotion ceremony. Facebook/Muhammad Ashraf Tai
After a severe heart attack in the past few days, he was admitted to cardio and doctors suggested a stent. The doctors have instructed him to report to the hospital again on Monday.
Due to the help of Ashraf Tai's students, he was transferred from general ward to private ward.
Ashraf Tai has millions of disciples in the country but he is surrounded by financial problems. The income from Tai Karate Center on MA Jinnah Road is also not enough to support the family.
Syeda Samina Shah, wife of Ashraf Tai, said that due to the Green Line project on MA Jinnah Road, the center's income has decreased significantly.
“We are in dire need of government assistance in this hour of difficulty,” she said. “We have to treat Tai Sahib as well as our disabled daughter, but due to lack of financial resources, her treatment has also come to a standstill.”
Samina requested President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Karachi philanthropists, industrialists, businessmen and Pakistan Sports Board for financial support for Ashraf Tai's treatment.
Comments
See what people are discussing