Pakistan lose to Iran in kabaddi final

Coach satisfied with team’s show in Asian Beach Games.

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s hopes of landing a gold medal at the 3rd Asian Beach Games were dashed yesterday as they lost to Iran 33-39 in the final of Beach Kabaddi in Haiyang, China.

Pakistan had gone into the final on a high after beating India 32-30 in a thrilling semi-final but could not repeat the heroics against Iran and ended up with a silver medal. Pakistan coach Badshah Gul had earlier told The Express Tribune that they were favourites to become champions but feared lack of preparation for the decider would not give his men appropriate time for recovery.

Pakistan team manager Brigadier Iqtedar was satisfied with the team’s performance but admitted Iran were the better team and deserved to win.

“It wasn’t our day as we made mistakes during the match while our opponents didn’t allow us to get on top,” Iqtedar told The Express Tribune. “One team had to lose and  today it was us. But we are satisfied with the silver medal because Iran are a tough side.”

This was Pakistan’s only defeat in the tournament after a run of four straight victories.

Meanwhile, in the handball event, Pakistan clinched a bronze medal as they defeated Iran 2-1.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2012.