GUWAHATI: Arslan Qadir scored two spectacular goals as Pakistan edged India 2-1 in a fierce 2016 South Asian Games encounter here on Monday.

In a match which produced thrilling hockey, Arsalan put Pakistan in front in the 11th minute after repeated incursions by the Greenshirts into the Indian half.

He doubled the lead with another field goal in the 37th minute and though hosts India hit back with a goal through Mandeep Antil in the 53rd, the Pakistan back line ensured there were no last minutes disasters.

With the win, Pakistan won its second game on the trot at the Games and will go into their remaining matches with renewed confidence.

It was a good day for Pakistan at the Games with Zaman Anwar winning the gold medal in the 125 kg wrestling event while Pakistan’s Mohammad Azad Butt won silver in the 74 kg wrestling event.

Maria Toorpakai Wazir missed out on the top prize losing her women’s squash final Joshana Chiappa (L) of India.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2016