Despite three gold medals, Indian finish behind toppers Afghanistan in taekwondo

India won a hat-trick of gold medals on the last day, but still finished second behind toppers Afghanistan in taekwondo at the 12th South Asian Games, here on Monday.

Women duo of Latika Bandari and Margerita Regi and male Navjeet Man won gold in their respective categories as India concluded their campaign in taekwondo with five gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences here.

Latika defeated Nepal's Neema Gurung 16-8 in the women under-53kg final, while Margerita reigned supreme in under- 62kg by beating Nepal's Ayasha Shakya with a single blow in the additional time after bout was locked at 8-8 points at the end of the the first three rounds.

In the men's under-80kg, Navjeet outclassed another Nepali opponent Shaksham Karki to complete a triple treat.

Afghanistan edged out India to finish on top with six gold, one silver and one bronze.