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LAHORE - Thailand, Korea, Iran and Uzbekistan claimed gold medals as four more senior kyorugi categories were decided on the third day of the World Taekwondo 8th President’s Cup (Asia Region) at the Garrison Jinnah Sports Complex Lahore Cantt on Wednesday. The international event, being organised with the support of Treet Corporation, attracted top-level athletes from across Asia and beyond, with intense competition witnessed across the women’s and men’s categories. In the women’s 53kg category, Thailand’s Chutikarn captured the gold medal, while Iran’s Nachafi Shaparak secured silver. Saudi Arabia’s Azein Yousaf and Belarus’s Sarokina completed the podium by winning bronze medals. Korea’s Hong Yu-rim produced a strong performance to win gold in the women’s 67kg category. Uzbekistan’s Soberjanova took the silver medal, while Iran’s Sagar Moradi and Jordan’s Mohammad Razan Rafshadi earned bronze medals. Iran continued its impressive showing in the men’s events, with Mehdi Jaji winning gold in the 63kg category. Korea’s Jung Woo claimed silver, while Kazakhstan’s Azim Niyazov and Azerbaijan’s Gashim finished with bronze medals. In the men’s 80kg category, Uzbekistan’s Jaserbek secured the gold medal, while Jordan’s Saleh took silver. Korea’s Jigeon and Jordan’s Mohammad Al-Adarbi won bronze. The third day featured highly competitive senior kyorugi bouts, further highlighting the strength and depth of the participating teams at the prestigious continental event. Pakistan Taekwondo Federation Chairman Lt Col Waseem Janjua said the hosting of such a major international competition in Lahore was providing valuable exposure to Pakistani athletes. He said the presence of leading international players and coaches would help national athletes learn from the experience and improve their competitive standards. He added that the event was particularly beneficial for Pakistan’s taekwondo squad as it provided quality preparation ahead of the Asian Games.