KARACHI: Pakistan finished overall second in the individual events while they claimed fifth position in the team event of the zurkhaneh competition of the World Trex Games, which concluded in Busan, Korea, on October 2.

As per details provided to ‘The News’ by the secretary of Pakistan Zurkhaneh Federation (PZF) Arbab Nasir, the Pakistani players remained impressive in the individual events by claiming a gold, two silver and three bronze medals, finishing overall second after the leaders Iraq. Neighbouring Afghanistan claimed third position in the competition.

Nouman Ahmad proved to be a surprise package for Pakistan as he came out with a gold medal in the event of ‘kabbalah’. He showed great stamina and power before winning gold for the country.

Zakir Ali Khan added to the Pakistan tally with a silver medal in ‘sang’ while Arbab Sardar clinched two bronze medals in meelbazi and speed whirling respectively and Yousuf Riaz, a talented wrestler from Lahore, finished with a bronze in heavyweight wrestling. Forty countries from across the world participated in the individual events.

In the team event, in which 14 countries participated, Pakistan failed to impress as they finished fifth. Iraq also claimed first position in the event, followed by hosts Korea, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan.

The secretary of PZF Arbab Nasir told ‘The News’ soon after the return of the contingent on Sunday, that he was impressed by the players’ performance in the mega event in Busan held from September 26 to October 2.

“We were unlucky not to finish at the top in the team event because one of our key players Sardar Ali had developed an injury in his leg. But still I am satisfied with the effort of the team and am hopeful that the players would struggle to show more impressive performance in a handful of international events next year.”

He said that PZF is in dire need of financial assistance from the government not only to purchase equipment of high standard from Iran but also to prepare and send team abroad for international competitions.

“We spent around 1.3 million rupees over the trip to Busan and all the amount was borrowed from the friends which would be paid back. It would have been very difficult for us to manage all the money if the government did not support us,” Arbab said.

The secretary, who also participated in one of the individual events in the Busan Games, said he is trying to spread the sport of zurkhaneh throughout the country in an attempt to get affiliation of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).

The squad that participated in the Busan Games included Nouman Ahmad (captain), Zakir Ali Khan, Sardar Ali, Baleeghuddin, Arbab Sardar, Farhatullah Khan, Aizaz Ahmad (all from NWFP) and Yousuf Riaz (Lahore).