Pakistan’s 14-year-old Aswa Marjan Niazi has won gold at the International Horseback Archery Championship in Russia. Her father, Najib Niazi, won silver in the same event.
Aswa finished first in the competition. Najib, an FIA sub-inspector, finished second.
Their trip to Russia was uncertain at first after officials denied them permission to go abroad. The Lahore High Court later allowed them to travel through an order issued by Justice Khalid Ishaq.
Aswa performed well throughout the championship, particularly in the 90-second Hunt Track event. During one stage, her horse went out of control and began galloping at full speed. She regained control and completed the course.
Judges, officials, and competitors from Pakistan, Russia, and other countries praised her performance.
Aswa has now been selected to represent Pakistan at the Asian Cup Horseback Archery Championship in China. She is the youngest Pakistani horseback archer to qualify for a competition at this level.
