Pakistan’s former international taekwondo star Maham Aftab, who won a gold medal in a championship in Jordan, lost her battle with cancer on Friday. The nation lost another gem.
Maham, who hails from Vehari, was diagnosed with a brain tumor only a month back. The 26-year-old had been under treatment at Shoukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore before being discharged last Sunday.
Besides winning national and international events, she also represented Pakistan in the Youth Olympics held in Indonesia. In 2008, Maham participated in World Championship in Izmir where she was defeated in the final by Stele Simunic of Croatia. In 2009, she took part in Asian Championships in Kish Island, Iran, where Jeong-Yeon Yoon of South Korea defeated her.
Moreover, in 2010, Maham participated in the Youth Olympics in Singapore where she lost to Dana Haider Touran of Jordan. The 26-year-old also represented the country in the 2014 Youth Olympics. However, she had quit competing in taekwondo competitions almost five years ago.
The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) also accepted grieve over the death of Maham and said she was an outstanding international athlete. In 2008, she was the only young player who got the honor to win a gold medal in an international event. While expressing their condolence on this moment of mourning, the PTF president said her valuable services for taekwondo would always be remembered.
“Her services will be remembered always as she won laurels for Pakistan. May God Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give courage and fortitude to the family to bear this irreparable loss,” PTF President Col (r) Waseem Ahmed said.
Pakistan Sports Board, Pakistan Cricket Board, and a number of social media users have expressed sadness over the demise of the taekwondo star.
Twitterati express their condolences for the departed soul
Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Dr Fehmida Mirza expressed her condolences over the sad demise of Maham Aftab. “Maham fought the disease for two long months. May Allah Almighty bless her soul in eternal peace,” she said.
Maham had truly made Pakistan proud at an international level. Reportedly, the deceased has she left a two-year-old son. Moreover, the international taekwondo fighter laid to rest at her hometown in Vehari.
All around the world, sports and athleticism seem to be a male dominant field. However, for the past few years, Pakistani women have been stepping up to the plate and amazing us with their unconquerable athletic talents. Maham will always be remembered for making Pakistan proud. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her friends and family.
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