Seven wrestlers to represent Pakistan in SA Games

KARACHI: Wrestling has been the most effective and medal-winning sport of Pakistan over the years.And national grapplers are expected to impress in the 13th South Asian Games which will begin in Nepal from December 1.

Pakistan is fielding seven wrestlers in the biennial event and two officials. The wrestling squad will proceed to Kathmandu on December 3. The draws will be held on December 5 and the event will be conducted from December 6-9.

In the last SAG in India in 2016 Pakistan had lifted two gold, four silvers and one bronze but this time a senior official of Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) expects four gold medals from his squad.

“In sha Allah this time I expect four gold medals,” PWF secretary Arshad Sattar told The News on Wednesday.The country’s highly experienced wrestler M Inam, Youth Olympics bronze medallist Inayatullah and Inam’s cousin M Bilal will be centre of attraction in the competitions.

Pakistani wrestlers may face tough time from Indian wrestlers as India has improved a lot in the sport.Squad: M Bilal (61kg), Inayatullah (70kg), Abdul Rehman (79kg), Umair Ahmad (86kg), M Inam Butt (92kg), Tayyab Raza (97kg), Zaman Anwar (125kg).

Officials: Sohail Rashid (coach), Saqlain Zahoor Raja (manager), Arshad Sattar (secretary PWF), M Riaz and M Anwar (both referees).