South Asian Federation Games in Dhaka: Pakistan’s Naseem becomes fastest woman of South Asia

DHAKA: Pakistan’s Naseem Akhtar became the fastest woman of the region when she won a gold medal in the 100-metre event of the 11th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games here on Monday. 22-year-old from Rawalpindi clocked 11.81 seconds to emerge as the queen of the track with her sterling show before a strong crowd at Bangabandhu National Stadium. “I had forgotten the world for nearly six months and trained really very, very hard under my coach Maqood Ahmed to achieve my dreams,” she told reporters after her triumph. “It is golden moment of my life that I have brought glory to my country,” she said. “I hope my performance will inspire young athletes to join sports,” she added.

In the men’s 100-metre event, Pakistan’s Liaquat Ali took a bronze medal by clocking 10.63 seconds, finishing behind Sri Lankan and Indian runners. Shehan Saearuwan won the title of fastest of the region by clocking 10.46 seconds to take the medal with Abdul Najeeb Qureshi of India 10.56 seconds.

Pakistan’s Naimat wins gold in boxing: Pakistan’s boxer Niamatullah won a gold medal by beating his Bhutanese opponent Sigyel in the light flyweight final on points on Monday. Niamat, 20-year-old from Quetta, displayed superb technique and punching power to grab the gold. Naimat dominated the bout throughout three rounds to emerge a clear winner. However, his countryman and team leader Mohammad Waseem won a silver medal after he was outclassed by his Indian opponent and Asian champion Suranjoy Singh in the 51kgs flyweight class.

Saadi wins silver for Pakistan in karate: Saadi Abbas won a silver medal in 67kgs individual kumite karate event on Monday. Sayed Mohammad of Afghanistan defeated Saadi after an interesting bout at Sohowardy Indoor Gymnasium. 20-year-old Saadi, who won a gold medal in Commonwealth Karate Championship, maintained his good run in the international arena. app

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