22 April 2005	Friday	12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426

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ISLAMABAD, April 21: The results at the Islamic Games have gone much according to expectations, the head of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) said on Thursday. “We had great hopes from the tennis squad and they did really well by winning the only medals for us,” Brig. Arif Mahmud Siddiqui told Dawn.

Pakistan, which competed in 10 disciplines at the Games could manage only three gold medals and a bronze courtesy of Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan.

“We also expected at least a bronze in athletics and a medal in volleyball but the boys could get their hands on the medals.”

Pakistan finished 11th on the medals table with hosts Saudi Arabia taking the top spot capturing 23 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze medals. Egypt, who bagged a total of 42 medals were second followed by Kazakhstan with 27.

“Overall I think the boys have done well and they will continue to fight; these Games were a good international exposure for them.”

Arif pointed out that three disciplines, which are Pakistan’s strong points - hockey, squash and boxing - were not included in the Games. “If these events had been contested, our medals tally would have been better.”

Apart from tennis, volleyball and athletics, Pakistan also competed in football, taekwondo, karate, table tennis, basketball, swimming and handball.