Boxing: Waseem bags Pakistan’s only gold

Boxer beats his Kenyan opponent 26-9 in 52kg final.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Mohammad Waseem defeated Kenya’s Benson Gicharu 26-9 in the final of the 52-kilogramme category, bagging the country’s sole gold medal in the second International Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Boxing Championship held in Islamabad.

Waseem was also declared the best boxer of the tournament where Uzbekistan grabbed six gold medals to be declared the best team.

“Today, my dream has come true and I am very happy to have won all my bouts in this event,” said Waseem. “Now I want to devote my concentration to Olympic qualifiers.”

Crowd turnout proved to be much better than other days in the tournament with Waseem being carried on the shoulders after winning the gold medal for Pakistan.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, played seven finals yesterday where they emerged victorious in six with Rasulov Elshod terming his participation a good experience.

“It was a great win for me and the country,” he told The Express Tribune after beating his Syrian opponent 27-22.

Amir Khan was the chief guest at the event and handed out prizes to the winners.

Syria came second at the event, bagging three gold medals, while Pakistan were placed third.

Uzbekistan and Waseem bagged $5,000 and $2,000 for their show in the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2011.