Haider wins wrestling gold for Pakistan

LAHORE - Haider Ali, member of Pakistan wrestling team won gold medal in 65kg weight category in the 1st Asian Beach Games at Bali, Indonesia on Friday.
He beat Indonesian player in the final. Another wrestler of Pakistan, Usman Majid in 85 Kg obtained bronze medal by beating Philpines wrestlers.
President Pakistan Olympic Association Lt Gen (retd) Arif Hasan has congratulated Pakistan contingent on their success.
Muhammad Ashraf Khan, chef-de-mission and Syed Amir Hamzr Gilani, Director General, Pakistan Sports Board also witnessed the wrestling competitions and conveyed their congratulations both the players.
The 41-member Pakistan contingent is participating in these games being held from October 18-26 at Bali, Indonesia.
Pakistan contingent is taking part in bodybuilding, kabaddi, wrestling, handball, sailing and volleyball.
OCA chief promises financial help to POA
Meanwhile an agency quoted Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah as saying his organisation will provide adequate financial assistance to Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) under its "Project Olympic Asia" program for creation of sports infrastructure.
"We have launched the program for under-developed countries of Asia for the creation of sports infrastructure and Pakistan will also be provided financial assistance of US $ 100,000 to 200,000."
He said earlier OCA was funding 20 such projects a year and
has decided now to extend the span of its activities to 40 projects
to help under-privileged countries with improved facilities to promote sports.
"Pakistan is making good progress in sports under the leadership of Lt Gen (r) Arif Hasan and we will support sports bodies in their endeavours like we have done in the past," he said.
Appreciating Pakistan's achievements in the field of cricket, hockey, squash and snooker, the OCA chief said Pakistan is rich in sports talent, and efforts to spot talent at early stages should be continued to ensure a better future in sports.