KABUL (SW): With two more gold medals, Afghanistan has marched-up and secured fifth slot in the ongoing South Asian Games 2016.
Rohullah Nikpa, the two-time Olympic bronze medalist, defeated Pakistani Naveed Khan via a technical knockout to win a gold medal in Taekwondo on Sunday in the 63 kg category
Another gold medal was won by Mohsen Rezaei who defeated India’s Abrar Khan to win a gold medal in Taekwondo in the 54 kg category. With this, Afghanistan secured a total of 18 medals that included 3 gold, 4 silver and 11 bronze.
Among the participating eight countries, Afghanistan now stands at the fifth slot, ahead of Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. India is on the top with 269 medals followed by Sri Lanka with 164 medals, Pakistan with 81 and Bangladesh 59 medals.
The 12th South Asian Games are taking place from 5 February to 16 February 2016 in Guwahati and Shillong, India. This is the third time for Afghanistan to take part in SAG.
A total of 2,672 athletes are scheduled to compete in 228 events over 23 sports. Organiser claim the event is unique in itself as it promotes sports with a view to boost up the team spirit as well as an amiable relationship between the South Asian countries.
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