Web Desk: Asim Khan secured the country’s first medal at the Asian Games after reaching the mixed martial arts semifinals, where the Karachi-based fighter suffered defeat.
Under the competition rules, Asim Khan will receive a bronze medal despite his semifinal loss. The medal ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday.
The achievement marks Khan’s first Asian Games medal and adds to his international record. He has previously won a bronze medal at the World Championships and a silver medal at the Asian level.
Dilawar Khan, who is serving as the team leader alongside Asim Khan at the Games, said the MMA fighter had opened Pakistan’s medal account at the event.
He expressed hope that Pakistani athletes would add more medals in the remaining competitions.
Asim Khan is expected to return to Karachi on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s athletes faced setbacks in other events.
Swimmer Hamza Asif finished second in his heat of the men’s 50-meter freestyle. However, his overall ranking was 30th, ending his campaign without a place in the final.
Pakistan also failed to complete the mixed triathlon final successfully. The team included Sana Arif, Anisha and Mustaghees Noor, who completed the swimming, cycling and running segments.
The athletes covered 300 meters of swimming, 7 kilometers of cycling and 2 kilometers of running. However, Ali Hassan could not complete the event within the stipulated time, resulting in Pakistan being recorded as “NDF” in the overall results.
Despite the setbacks, Asim Khan’s bronze has given Pakistan an early medal at the Games, with more events still to come.
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