Pakistan’s first Taekwondo star Maham Aftab was laid to rest in Vehari on Sunday. She was 26, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Olympic gold medallist Maham Aftab died of brain tumour. Her Namaz-i-Janaza was led by Maulana Qari Abaidullah at the Vehari’s central Janazgah, which was attended by a large number of people including social, political and sports personalities.
She breathed her last at hospital in Islamabad on Friday.
Besides winning national and international events, Maham Aftaf also represented Pakistan in the Youth Olympics held in Indonesia. She had quit competing in taekwondo competitions almost five years ago.
The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) also expressed grief over the death of Maham, saying she was an outstanding international athlete.
In 2008, she was the only young player who has got the honour to win a gold medal in an international event.
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.
“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,” said PTF President Col (retd) Waseem Ahmed.
In 2008, Maham Aftab 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 she was defeated by Jeong-Yeon Yoon of South Korea.
In 2010, Maham participated in the Youth Olympics in Singapore where she lost to Dana Haider Touran of Jordan.