Pakistan win handball gold
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Pakistan showed their prowess in the newly introduced handball event of the 11th South Asian Games when they subdued their Indian rivals 37-31 in the final to clinch the gold medal at the jampacked National Handball Stadium housed in the Bangabandhu Sports Complex in the city Saturday, reports BSS.
Green shirts Pakistan team which recorded an exciting 33-31 victory in the league outing, showed a perfect build-up and repeated their performance with another superb display in the all important final.
Shooter Azhar Khan, leading the team, emerged as the most outstanding performer as he blasted as many as ten goals to spearhead his team to exciting win. Muhammad Nadeem and Naseer Ahmed gave him a great support with seven goals each.
Pakistan held the upper hand throughout final despite enjoying a slender one point lead at the breather with scoreboard showing 16-15.
Bangladesh beat Nepal to clinch the bronze medal.
"We prepared in the normal small gymnasium back home while we played here on a wooden-floor here and still won the final. Its satisfying to win this event which has been inducted in the games for the first time," beaming Pakistan captain Azhar Khan told reporters.
"Our sports are struggling but I hope our victory will boost handball in Pakistan and will be an example for other teams," Azhar said. Pakistan Manager Dr.Aftab Iqbal Chaudhry was also delighted with his team's gold medal.
Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Chief Lt.Gen. (Retd), Syed Arif Hasan, who watched the whole final was thrilled with the victory and instantly announced half a million rupee cash award for the team while Pakistan Handball Association also announced an equal amount for the gold medal winning team.
Green shirts Pakistan team which recorded an exciting 33-31 victory in the league outing, showed a perfect build-up and repeated their performance with another superb display in the all important final.
Shooter Azhar Khan, leading the team, emerged as the most outstanding performer as he blasted as many as ten goals to spearhead his team to exciting win. Muhammad Nadeem and Naseer Ahmed gave him a great support with seven goals each.
Pakistan held the upper hand throughout final despite enjoying a slender one point lead at the breather with scoreboard showing 16-15.
Bangladesh beat Nepal to clinch the bronze medal.
"We prepared in the normal small gymnasium back home while we played here on a wooden-floor here and still won the final. Its satisfying to win this event which has been inducted in the games for the first time," beaming Pakistan captain Azhar Khan told reporters.
"Our sports are struggling but I hope our victory will boost handball in Pakistan and will be an example for other teams," Azhar said. Pakistan Manager Dr.Aftab Iqbal Chaudhry was also delighted with his team's gold medal.
Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Chief Lt.Gen. (Retd), Syed Arif Hasan, who watched the whole final was thrilled with the victory and instantly announced half a million rupee cash award for the team while Pakistan Handball Association also announced an equal amount for the gold medal winning team.