Yousef Karami “I have been in contact with the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation for a long time and even a contract was written, but I announced that I should go there first and See the terms and then sign the contract.
He added: “I even offered to coach the Iranian senior national team, but since I had negotiated with Pakistan, it was not ethical for me to change my mind all at once.”
The 2004 Olympic bronze medalist stated: “When I came to Pakistan, I realized very well that they have a purposeful plan and that they provide me and my national team with whatever facilities they need.
He added: “I hope to be a worthy representative for Iranian taekwondo and good things will happen for Pakistani taekwondo.”
Regarding the duration of his contract, Karami said: “Currently, the contract is for one year.” My family is very important to me, and if the conditions are right and I can bring them to this country, it is possible to work together for a long time.
“I lead the senior national team, but I will supervise all age groups,” the young coach explained about his career in Pakistani taekwondo. This team does not have a heavyweight taekwondo fighter, and the others are in a situation where they can finally be in the national team for three or four years. That’s why I wanted to hold talent search courses at a young age to identify people and bring them to the camp.
“Education is very important for the people of Pakistan,” he said, adding that Olympic gold was not valuable to them without education. Therefore, families attach great importance to education, and we must provide conditions in this country so that athletes can study at the same time.
Karami, who has two gold and two bronze medals in the world, added: “In this country, cricket, squash and liver disciplines are very popular and taekwondo does not have much place among the youth, and we should try to make this martial discipline among the people.” Find your place.
In response to the question, what do the officials of the Pakistan Federation ask of him for the Hangzhou Asian Games? “They know their own situation,” he said. Pakistan has never won a medal, not even in the Asian Championship. They even announced that they do not expect a miracle in 5 months. However, we try to do well in Hangzhou.
Regarding the meeting with the Pakistani Minister of Sports, Karami said: “I was attracted by the Pakistani Ministry of Sports and during the visit, they promised to cooperate well and I really hope for the future.”