South Asian Games 2016: Maaz Khan bags gold by defeating Indian Athlete Mukesh Chaudary

Maaz, who claimed gold medal in the 70kg category at the South Asian Games 2016 by defeating Indian athlete Mukesh Chaudary in the final, sustained a serious injury on his shin during the quarter-final clash with Sri Lanka’s Nid Aberathane. With the team doctor staying with the participants in Shillong and Maaz in Guhawiti, the Karachi-born decided to tend to his injuries himself.
He endured even more painful bruises after fighting and triumphing against the Bangladeshi athlete Anisur Rahman in the semi-final, the next day.
Maaz, while talking to The Express Tribune said, 

“I don’t want anything to come between me and the gold medal, so I decided not to tell anyone."

“I used a cold spray, applied the bandages and took some painkillers and was ready to fight. There was only one thing on my mind; to defeat my opponent,” he said.

The athlete, soon after bagging the gold medal realized the seriousness of his pain. 

“After the fight I was writhing in pain and wanted to go to the hospital and nothing else; I couldn’t bear the pain anymore” 

“As soon as we landed in Karachi, I went directly to the Liaquat National Hospital and got admitted for surgery,” he said.

Despite such bravery and devotion towards the game and his nation, no one in charge of the sports in Pakistan appreciated his attempt nor sent him any congratulatory messages.

While we here at PakMainstream appreciate and pray for Maaz's better future!