TURIN: Pakistan`s special athletes continued their impressive run at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games as Afaq Khan bagged the third gold medal for Pakistan on Friday.

In the 100-meter snowshoeing race, Pakistan`s Afaq struck gold, outpacing Ahmed Al-Jilani from the United Arab Emirates, who took silver and Mongolia`s Amarbold Munkhdul, who claimed bronze.

The Pakistani team also made a strong showing in the men`s 4x100-meter snowshoeing relay, with Moazzam Iqbal, Abdul Saboor, Muhammad Afaq and Ali Raza combining to secure the silver medal. Canada`s team took gold, while China`s athletes finished third.

In the women`s 4x100-meter snowshoeing relay, Pakistan`s Iqra Akram, Tabassum Nasir, Shah Guloon and Manahil also bagged the silver medal.

Canada took first place and Chinese Taipei secured bronze.

Pakistan`s special athletes have now won a total of eight medals three gold, three silver and two bronze in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing events at the Games.

Pakistan`s Moazzam, Saboor Ahmed and Raza will be in action on Monday in the men`s 400meter race, while Iqra and Manahil will compete in the women`s event.-Agencies