Pakistan’s Athletes Shine with Multiple Medals in Turin
Afaq Khan made history for Pakistan by securing a gold medal in the 100m snowshoeing race at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy, on Friday. This victory adds to the country’s growing success at the event, where Pakistani athletes have already won three gold medals in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing events.
Pakistani athletes have also secured one silver and two bronze medals, bringing the total medal count to six so far.
In the 100m snowshoeing race, Ahmed Al Jailani Ahmed from the UAE clinched the silver medal, while Amarbold Munkhdul of Mongolia finished with a bronze, coming in behind Afaq Khan.
Pakistan’s participation in the event is significant, with a 10-member squad competing in various categories. This marks Pakistan’s return to the World Winter Games for the first time since 2017.
Pakistan’s Impressive Medal Tally Continues
Pakistani athletes continued their stellar performance in team events as well.
- Men’s 4x100m Snowshoeing Relay:
- Gold: Canada
- Silver: Pakistan (Moazzam Iqbal, Abdul Saboor, Muhammad Afaq, Ali Raza)
- Bronze: China
- Women’s 4x100m Snowshoeing Relay:
- Gold: Canada
- Silver: Pakistan (Iqra Akram, Tabassum Nasir, Shah Guloon, Manahil)
- Bronze: Chinese Taipei
The final day of the Special Olympics World Winter Games will feature the 400-meter race, where Pakistan’s Moazzam Iqbal, Saboor Ahmed, and Ali Raza will compete in the men’s category, while Iqra Akram and Manahil will represent Pakistan in the women’s category.
Governor of Sindh Pays Tribute to Special Olympics Pakistan Athletes
Governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, lauded the achievements of Moazzam Iqbal and Muneeb ur Rehman, who have secured gold medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
He praised the athletes for their dedication and determination, stating:
“These athletes, with their resilience as strong as mountains, have made the entire nation proud by raising the Pakistani flag high on the international stage. Their achievements prove that with continuous hard work and a passion for winning, success is inevitable.”
Governor Tessori also commended Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani for her relentless efforts in supporting athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities. He acknowledged her humanitarian contributions and role in uplifting special athletes in Pakistan.
Squash Legend Jahangir Khan Congratulates Special Olympians
Squash legend Jahangir Khan extended his congratulations to the Pakistani Special Olympians, calling them role models for the nation.
He emphasized the efforts of the Special Olympics Pakistan team, particularly the coaches, who have been preparing athletes for the past five years with great national spirit.
“The athletes’ achievements today are the result of years of training and hard work. Their success is a testament to their dedication and the support provided by their coaches and Special Olympics Pakistan.” – Jahangir Khan
Jahangir Khan also praised Ronak Lakhani’s contributions, calling her efforts exemplary at the national level.
The coaches of gold medalist Muneeb ur Rehman in cross-country skiing, Shumaila Aram and Muhammad Saleem, as well as the coaches of Moazzam Iqbal in snowshoeing, Irfan Anwar and Aram Abdul Majeed, expressed their happiness over the outstanding performances of the athletes.
