PESHAWAR: Pakistani wrestlers, after facing some stiff competition from Afghan and Indians on the final day of first Bacha Khan International Peace Wrestling Championship on Sunday, clinched the top most position with an impressive four gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
Afghanistan, trailing behind with just one point, were declared the runners up.
Commonwealth Games medalist Azhar Hussain of Pakistan defeated Prince Arora of India while Basharat clinched gold for Pakistan in 60 kilogramme category by defeating Afghanistan’s promising wrestler Kabi Rahimi.
Rustam-e-Pakistan, Usman Majeed won gold in 96kg category by defeating Wakeel Hussain of Afghanistan while in the 120kg weight category, Pakistan Champion Muhammad Zaman also overpowered Hameed Khanzada of Afghanistan.
Pakistani wrestlers managed to score 65 points, just one point ahead of the Afghans who got 64 points by winning two gold, four silver and one bronze medal.
In the 84kg fight, Pakistani wrestler Ghulam Hassan lost to Afghan wrestler Noor Ahmadi.
Hassan had earlier knocked out India’s Saibair Singh. However Ahmadi proved powerful enough to win the medallion, leaving behind silver for Ghulam.
In the 66 kilograms category Indian Visal Singh clinched gold, Afghanistan's Baba Jan Ahmadi took silver medal while Pakistani wrestlers took bronze. In the 74kg category, the tally remained the same.
Afghan players won gold in the 74 and 84 kilograms category, four silver medals in 60kg, 66kg, 96kg and 120kg weights and a bronze in 55kg category.
India with 44 points remained third with one gold in 66kg by Visal Singh, two silver in 55kg and 74kg and two bronze medals in 60kg and 84kg.
Sri Lankan wrestlers won six bronze medals in 55kg, 60kg, 66kg, 74kg, 96kg, and 120kg while Bangladesh got fifth position with three bronze medals in 84kg, 96kg, and 120kg.
Federal Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour who awarded medals on the occasion said: “The tournament is a true sign for restoration of peace in the region and the players’ enthusiasm shows how happy they are in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa.”
Counsel General of Afghanistan in Peshawar Sayed Muhammad Ebrahim Khail was also present at the event and enjoyed the spirited bouts between the wrestlers.