TURIN: Pakistan`s special athletes made a historic splash at the Special Olympics World Winter Games clinching two gold medals in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing events.

Muneeb Ur Rehman led the charge, winning Pakistan`s first gold medal in the men`s 50-meter cross-country skiing event. Moazzam Iqbalfollowed suit, securing another gold medal in the 800m snowshoeing race.

Rovina Qurban added to Pakistan`s medal tally, claiming the silver medal in the women`s 50-meter cross-country skiing event.

Muneeb, who hails from Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was overjoyed with his victory.

`This is my first time participating in the World Winter Games, and I`ve been preparing for this moment for seven years,` he said, crediting his coaches Shumaila Iram and Mohammad Saleem for their dedicated training.

Muneeb expressed his ambition to win more medals for Pakistan in upcoming international events.

In the snowshoeing 200-meter race, Pakistan`s Saboor Ahmed and Ali Raza won bronze medals, leading a dominant performance by the national team.

The event featured athletes from 10 countries, including UAE, Germany,Chinese Taipei, Costa Rica, US, Italy, Austria and India.

Pakistan`s athletes dominated in the event with, Manahil finishing fourth, Tabsum Nasir and Shah Galoon securing fifth place, Afaq Khan coming in sixth and Iqra Akram finishing seventh.-Agencies