East Lancs youngsters win for England in Taekwondo Championships

Zain-Ul-Abideen Hussain, 17, from Accrington was one of the three East Lancashire boys in the England squad for the International Taekwondo Federation Union (ITF Union) European Championships, held in Madrid over the weekend.

Eighty-four medals were won out of the 41 competitors for Team England, including 33 gold medals, 35 silvers and 16 bronzes.

Zain is a second dan black belt who is now a sparring European champion gold medallist after winning against his opponent on Sunday.

Zain-Ul-Abideen Hussain (Image: Noreen Akhtar)

His mum, Noreen Akhtar, said: “He’s absolutely chuffed and there’s a big sense of relief.

"He started Taekwondo five years ago and became the gold world champion last year so he’s worked so hard.

“He’s studying physics, computer science and maths A-levels on top of his twice a week Taekwondo training, squad training and gym sessions.

"He’s managed to handle everything so well with all this responsibility on him and I’m immensely proud of what he’s achieved at such a young age.”

Samuel (R) and Adam (L) at the European Championships in Madrid (Image: Kathryn Edmondson)

Zain trains at Beanland Taekwondo in Keighley alongside cousins Samuel Edmondson and Adam Berisha, from Blackburn, who were also handpicked to compete for the England team.

Samuel, 11, is a black belt and a European champion in sparring after winning the gold medal for England, as well as winning bronze for patterns.

He has also won the title of world champion gold medallist two years in a row at the British Championship which he will be competing to defend in November.

His mum Kathryn Edmondson said she is extremely proud of his achievements and his sportsmanship.

She said: “He was very respectful to his opponent and was praised for his sportsmanship.

"I’m so proud of him because he lacks confidence in sparring but did really well. He was extremely happy with his achievements.

“The atmosphere and experience was just amazing. All the countries were cheering on England and we were doing the same for them.”

Adam, a first dan black belt won two silver medals competing in patterns and sparring.

His mum Kim said: “It was the most surreal experience travelling all way to Madrid, and just being picked to represent his country is the biggest achievement. We’re just over the moon, and I cried eyes out because it was such a big experience for him.

“The support from the whole England team, and even all the competitors was just phenomenal.

“All the boys travel an hour each way to Keighley for Master Beanland because that’s how amazing he is as a teacher so we can’t thank him enough.”

Adam’s auntie Kathryn added: “The sparring final was incredible. He’s had a difficult year because he’s gone up an age category but he was amazing. We’re so proud of him."