Shahzaib Khan sets sights on LA Olympics after winning Asian title

Shahzaib Khan, Pakistan's top taekwondo athlete, has emerged as a major prospect for the country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Shahzaib on Monday clinched a gold medal at the Asian Open Taekwondo Championship in Indonesia, earning him 20 valuable ranking points. This victory, where he defeated the Philippines' Calamba in the final, marked his third gold medal at this prestigious event.

Earlier, he had also won a silver medal at the Asian Senior Men's Championship in Vietnam, a historic first for Pakistan at that level of competition.

These accomplishments provide Shahzaib with renewed confidence as he focuses on securing a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Shahzaib’s perspective on his challenges

Reflecting on his journey, Shahzaib is quick to acknowledge the challenges he faces but remains resolute in his pursuit of Olympic glory.

“The Asian Open Championship is a G-2 event, and it’s always tough because nearly all the top nations in Asia participate. This was my third gold at the Asian Open,” Shahzaib told Nukta in an interview from Indonesia.

"It was a tough event, but with the support of my team, federation, and family, I was able to secure gold. My fights went well, especially the semi-finals and final, which were challenging as 37 athletes were competing in my weight category," he added.

Shahzaib Khan posing alongside his fellow competitors at the Asian Open Taekwondo Championship in Indonesia.Instagram/shahzaibkhantkd

He continued to describe the emotional moment when the Pakistani flag was raised, and the national anthem played, saying, "It was a moving scene, and I can’t describe the feelings I had during that moment. It’s something I’ll never forget."

Despite the hardships he faces, Shahzaib is committed to continuing his journey. “I will keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles,” he affirmed.

Wanted: Government support

One of the most significant challenges Shahzaib faces is the lack of state support, which is essential for maintaining the high standards required for international competition.

"Recently, I won silver at the Asian Championship in Vietnam, which was Pakistan’s first-ever medal in 50 years of taekwondo history. But despite this achievement, I didn’t receive any backing from the state," Shahzaib lamented. "This is a tough sport, and it requires a good diet and supplements, which I have to pay for out of my own pocket."

Yet, Shahzaib remains undeterred.

"I’m still motivated and focused on my ultimate goal, which is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of setting smaller, incremental targets to achieve larger goals.

“To reach the Olympics, I need to perform well in various G-1, G-2, G-4, and G-6 events, which will help improve my ranking. There’s a good chance I can qualify directly through my ranking, but I need the state’s support to cover the expenses for these events,” he said.

Shahzaib is candid about the financial strain that competing at such a high-level place on him and stresses that state patronage would make a significant difference in his preparation and performance.

Yousef Karami’s influence

A major turning point in Shahzaib's career came when Iran's former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Yousef Karami, joined as his coach. He credits Karami with transforming his approach to the sport.

Shahzaib Khan with his coach Yousef Karami.Instagram/shahzaibkhantkd

“Since Karami became my coach, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my game. He has taught me to be more technical and manage my fights better. Now, when I step into the ring, I feel much more confident because my game has evolved,” Shahzaib explained.

The precision and fairness of Taekwondo

Shahzaib also spoke highly of the taekwondo sport itself, praising its fairness and the use of technology to ensure transparency in scoring.

"Taekwondo is a fair game. The electronic system and sensors make it impossible for anyone to cheat. This is one of the reasons why the sport has a prestigious place in the Olympics," Shahzaib noted.

He also highlighted the speed and intensity of the sport, where a fight can change in seconds.

"It’s a fast-paced game, and you need to stay focused at all times. You have to listen to your coach, keep an eye on the screen, and stay aware of your opponent, all at the same time. It’s tough, but with experience, it becomes easier to handle," he concluded.