ISLAMABAD, April 1: A tally of seven gold medals in the karate competition of 9th SAF Games saw Pakistan improve tremendously on its performance in the 1999 edition of the games , prompting the coach to say Pakistan can become an Asian force in the sport.

Pakistan had won seven out of the nine gold medals at stake in under 80 kg, under 70 kg, 55 kg, individual kata, team kata, under 65 kg and under 75 kg categories of the competition.

At the last SAF Games Pakistan could only manage one gold medal while hosts Nepal grabbed eight of them. India also had to be content with only one gold. "The way this sport is being promoted in the country, Pakistan can well become an Asian force in karate," Pakistan's Iranian coach Ahmed Safi said.

In the over 80 kg category, the Pakistani player was unlucky to miss the gold when he was punched in the face by the Sri Lankan, who was disqualified, but the referee ruled that the Pakistani could not compete for the final.

"Pakistan has got tremendous talent which needs to be polished. The boys are hardworking and disciplined," Ahmed said. -APP