LAHORE: Pakistan handball team won the silver medal in the U21 Asian Challenge Trophy in Kathmandu, Nepal.

India won gold medal while Yemen clinched bronze whereas Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal earned fourth, fifth and sixth places.

In the semi-final of the event, Pakistan defeated Yemen 33-27 but lost the final to India 40-20 as the absence of two key players due to injury during the semi-final hindered Pakistan’s performance in the decider.

India and Pakistan have also qualified for Asian men’s IHF Challenge Trophy being held in 2013.

In their group fixtures, Pakistan overcame Afghanistan 33-27 and downed Nepal 36-26 to qualify for the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Pakistan women’s team secured fifth place after winning the match against Afghanistan 31-13.

The Pakistan women lost matches to India and Bangladesh.—Sports Reporter