Hailing from Faisalabad, Pakistan, Sardar Qadeer Akram is gaining prominence in martial arts. Known for his discipline, perseverance, and staunch determination, he is quickly becoming recognized in the international stages of Taekwondo.
He recently won a bronze medal at the 2024 International Taekwondo Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand. This achievement was significant, but his quest for more continues; his journey began in 2016 with one goal: to get fit.
It Begins with a Passion
Sardar Qadeer Akram’s journey into Taekwondo began in 2016. What started as just a pursuit of fitness slowly turned into something that would have a crucial impact on his future. “I started Taekwondo in 2016 just for fitness, but gradually I took an interest and started participating in championships,” he said about the early days of his involvement in the sport while talking to Wire Examiner.
His first encounter with Taekwondo was for health maintenance, without competition or ambition in view. Nevertheless, the discipline, technique, and spirit of Taekwondo were so captivating that he found himself absorbed in the sport.
Strong National Achievements and Unbeaten Streak
Sardar Qadeer soon made his mark in Taekwondo by participating in different championships. He is still undefeated in the Punjab Championships from 2017 to 2024, showcasing his mastery of the art at the provincial level.
His success was not confined to the region; he captured gold at the Punjab Games in 2022 and at the Karachi National Taekwondo Championship in 2020. These victories established him as a formidable competitor in Pakistan, earning him the honor of being the flag bearer for Punjab during the National Games 2023 in Quetta.
Support System: A Family Affair
Sardar’s family has been his main source of support, especially his father and elder brother. He says, “My only support is my father and elder brother who always support me in every event, and of course, my mother who prays for me. Their unwavering belief in him has been essential in helping me overcome a host of challenges I face as an athlete.”
Sardar Qadeer also praises the unwavering support of his wife, who stood by him through all challenges and accomplishments.
Coming to the Forefront: Rising Beyond
Sardar’s talent and hard work have been recognized beyond Pakistan’s borders. He has been part of the national squad at six international championships, culminating in his success at the World Taekwondo Championship 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Winning bronze at such a prestigious event is a remarkable achievement, especially given the challenges he faces in his training.
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The Lone Warrior: Training Without a Coach
One of the most remarkable aspects of the journey of Sardar Qadeer Akram is that he has managed to do it all without a professional coach or a dedicated training club.
“I do it by myself. I don’t have any coach or club. I train myself in different gyms by buying their expensive memberships. It is very hard to train alone for Taekwondo, but I am still managing,” says Sardar.
His passion for the sport and determination drives him forward, even in the absence of proper facilities and mentorship.
Looking Forward: In Search of Gold
Sardar’s ambitions do not end with a bronze medal. He believes there is more to achieve in Taekwondo. “I am working hard to get another gold medal in national championships and then in international championships. Insha Allah, I will,” he says confidently. He is determined to achieve his goals, no matter the obstacles in his way.
He believes that soon, he wants to represent the Green flag on the international stage of the Olympics.
Inspiration and Message to the Youth
When asked about his inspiration, Sardar cites Ahmad Abu Ghaush, an Olympic gold medalist from Jordan, as his all-time favorite.
Just as Ahmad inspired him, Sardar hopes to inspire the youth of Pakistan to take up sports. His message is simple yet profound: “No matter what sport, at whatever level, just make sports a part of your life. Make sports, workouts, etc., a part of your lifestyle. Whether you win or lose, it doesn’t matter—just learn to step into the field. Success will be granted by Allah.”
A Call for Support
Sardar remains optimistic about his future but also acknowledges the importance of government support. “If the government supports me, I can easily become a gold medalist, but if not, then no worries. I will do it on my own. Insha Allah,” he says, reflecting his resilience and determination.
With sufficient support, there is no doubt that Sardar Qadeer Akram has the potential to reach even greater heights on the global stage.
Sardar Qadeer Akram’s journey is one of passion, strong will, and commitment. From a simple fitness enthusiast to an international bronze medalist, his story serves as a great inspiration to many. One can only hope that his success will inspire many young Pakistanis to adopt sports and pursue their dreams with the same perseverance.
Sardar’s message to the youth and his relentless pursuit of excellence in Taekwondo exemplify how this sport is embraced with dedication and resilience.
