ISLAMABAD: Shahida and M Awais won back-to-back gold medals for Pakistan in Karate women’s and men’s event respectively as the 13th South Asian Games got into action at three major cities of Nepal.
According to reports reaching here Shahida won her gold in kata leaving some renowned Indian and host Nepali girls behind. Soon after Awais also earned gold for Pakistan in Karate below 84kg weight category.
Besides two gold medals, Pakistan also won three silvers and four bronze in karate. Naz Gul, Nargis and Shahida combined in to win team kata silver. Iqra Anwar and Sabira won bronze in below 50kg and below 55kg category. In men karate event, besides Awais gold, Baz Muhammad (above 84kg) and Niamatullah (Kata) won silver medals. Naseer, Nauman and Niamatullah won team bronze for country in Kata. Murad also won bronze in below 55kg category.
Pakistan also earned one silver in taekwondo as Mehrunisa and Shahbaz Ahmad teamed up to earn silver in pair. Mehrunisa also won individual bronze and Mumtaz and Asifa got bronze in pair in taekwondo. After the first day Pakistan earned two gold, four silver and seven bronze in karate and taekwondo.
More than 5,000 delegates, including 2,715 athletes, are participating in the 13th South Asian Games that would see contest in 26 sports disciplines. Nepal is fielding the highest number of athletes - 596 - in all 26 sports disciplines. India, has sent 487 athletes in 22 disciplines, while Sri Lanka has entered 564 athletes in 26 disciplines. Bangladesh has sent 470 athletes in 25 disciplines, while Pakistan has registered 263 athletes in 18 sports. Bhutan (116) and Maldives (216) are taking part in 18 and 12 disciplines respectively.
The Games will offer a total of 1,115 medals - 317 gold, 317 silver and 481 bronze - with swimming being at the top with 38 gold medals. Athletics is offering 36 gold medals, while taekwondo is offering 29. Out of the 27 sports disciplines included in the SA Games, paragliding was cancelled after the sport failed to get minimum of three teams.