Eight Siblings Make Taekwondo History, Bag Six Golds, Two Silvers at Swat Azadi Cup
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 6th Sep, 2026) Eight siblings from a single family in Mingora created a remarkable record by winning six gold and two silver medals at the 4th Azadi Cup Taekwondo Championship 2026 held in Swat.
These young athletes belong to the family of international taekwondo coach Ayaz Naik, who is also General Secretary of the Malakand Region, and they all returned with medals from the same tournament.
Ayaz Naik told APP that Ayesha Ayaz, Zaryab Khan, Azan Khan, Zarrar Khan, Arman Khan, and Gulalai Ayaz won gold medals, while Mahak Ayaz and Ziab Khan secured silver medals.
He said Ayesha, Zaryab, and Gulalai had already represented Pakistan at international level, while this performance by all eight siblings showcased the growing taekwondo talent in Swat.
The championship brought together more than 100 male and female athletes from across Malakand Division, providing young players an opportunity to compete and display their skills. A total of 10 teams from six districts participated: Shangla, Swat, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Buner, and Bajaur, with Swat represented by three teams.
The championship was held under the supervision of Ayaz Naik.
Naik told APP that the strong participation of female athletes was an encouraging sign, demonstrating that girls in the region were increasingly participating in martial arts and competitive sports.
Swat Taekwondo academy secured first position, while Dir Upper Taekwondo Teams finished second. Players in both boys’ and girls’ categories received medals and certificates for their performances. The eight siblings remained a major highlight, winning a combined eight medals – six gold and two silver – for their family.
The championship aimed to promote taekwondo at the grassroots level and provide young male and female athletes from Malakand Division with a competitive platform.
Naik said the participation of more than 100 athletes showcased that Swat and other districts of Malakand Division possessed considerable talent in taekwondo and other martial arts. He congratulated the winners, participating athletes, and coaches, expressing hope that such competitions would help talented youngsters advance from regional to national and international events.
