Karate Pioneer Master Mohammad Ashraf Tai Appeals for Government Support

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: In a heartfelt plea, Pakistan's karate pioneer and Grand Master of Martial Arts, Mohammad Ashraf Tai, has reached out to the Sindh and Federal Governments for urgent medical assistance and support for his martial arts academies. Master Tai, who has dedicated over five decades to training more than 2.6 million athletes across the nation, is currently grappling with serious health issues, including heart and kidney ailments.*

In a recent statement, Master Tai expressed distress over his academies, the renowned "Gowans Cricket Club" at Numaish Chowrangi and the "Tai Karate Academy" in Korangi, both of which are operating out of rented facilities. He revealed that the dwindling number of trainees has made it increasingly difficult to manage rental expenses, exacerbating his mental and physical strain.

"I have poured my heart and soul into establishing karate as a recognized sport in Pakistan," said Master Tai. He emphasized the need for the government to allocate these historic academies to him, highlighting that such a move would not only preserve these institutions but also ensure that future generations of karate athletes receive quality training.

In his appeal, he specifically reached out to the Chief Minister of Sindh, the Minister of Health, the Chief Minister of Punjab, and the Governor of Sindh, urging them to intervene and provide the necessary support. Master Tai underlined the importance of his Korangi academy, stressing that the government must act swiftly to safeguard the future of karate in Pakistan.

The sports community has rallied behind Master Tai, with many expressing hope that the government will respond positively to his urgent requests. As a pioneer in martial arts, Master Tai’s contributions to the sport have been invaluable, and there is a growing call for action to support him in this challenging time.