Pakistan bags 3rd gold medal in Special Olympics World Winter Games

Pakistan secured its third gold medal at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin on Friday with an inspiring display of talent and perseverance by athlete Afaq Khan in the 100m snowshoeing event.

Khan clinched first place, showcasing his exceptional skills on the international stage. This remarkable achievement highlighted the growing talent and dedication of Pakistani athletes.

Earlier, Muneeb-Ur-Rehman spearheaded Pakistan's success by winning the country’s first-ever gold medal in the men’s 50m cross-country skiing event.

Moazzam Iqbal later added to the triumph by securing another gold in the 800m snowshoeing race.

Read: Paris Olympics 2024 gold medals contain 6 grams of gold worth $950

Muneeb, originally from Swabi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was ecstatic about his achievement, saying, “This is my first time participating in the World Winter Games, and I have been preparing for this moment for seven years.”

Crediting his coaches, Shumaila Iram and Muhammad Saleem, for their dedicated training, he vowed to win more medals for Pakistan in upcoming international events.

Meanwhile, Rovina Qurban contributed to the country's medal count by taking home a silver in the women's 50-meter cross-country skiing event.

Apart from this, Pakistan’s Saboor Ahmed also added his part to increase number of medals for Pakistan by taking bronze in snowshoeing 200-meter race. 

Pakistan currently has a total of five medals, three gold, one silver, and one bronze.