KARACHI: Pakistan kabaddi team qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing Asian Games after beating Malaysia 58-35 in their last group match on Wednesday.
A medal is now confirmed for Pakistan in the event since the losing semi-finalists get a bronze in the Asian Games.
Yesterday, kabaddi team registered their first win after beating Korea 56-21 in their second match in Group B. The win was crucial for Pakistan as they had lost their first group game against defending champions Iran.
The semi-finals will be held on October 6, meanwhile the gold medal match will take place on the following day.
Earlier, Pakistan’s hopes to win a gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games suffered a huge blow on Tuesday when Arshad Nadeem withdrew from his javelin throw event.
An official of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) confirmed that Arshad has informed the POA and Pakistan contingent that he will not participate in the event due to a chronic injury.
Arshad was scheduled to appear in men's javelin throw finals on Wednesday evening.
A statement attributed to Pakistan’s Chef de Mission, released by POA, said that Arshad complained of pain in his knees after first session in Hangzhou.
“After arrival at Hangzhou at the first training session on 27th September 2023, Mr. Arshad Nadeem revealed and complained to Dr. Asad Abbas who was accompanying him that he has been grappling with persistent pain for several months, a concern that has become particularly pressing in the aftermath of the World Athletics Championship,” the statement highlighted.
“On 2nd October, he again complained of pain in the right knee and expressed a desire to undergo an evaluation to determine the impact on his ability to participate in the javelin throw event. The Chief Medical Officer of the Pakistan Contingent recommended a comprehensive check-up.
“Arshad Nadeem underwent a thorough medical examination, including a non-invasive test i.e. MRI at a local hospital in Hangzhou. The MRI revealed a chronic injury which he has been carrying.”
The statement further said that Arshad, after consulting the medical personnel, decided not to participate in the Asian Games in order to prevent any untoward situation that may hinder his training program and participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.
