All-Pakistan Boxing Tournament: Lyariites hope Amir Khan keeps his promise

Gold medallist urges Briton to open a boxing academy in the troubled locality

British boxer Amir Khan of Pakistani origin is escorted by Rangers during his visit to the Peoples Football Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan. PHOTO: REUTERS

KARACHI:
Tanveer Ahmed, the All-Pakistan Boxing Tournament gold medallist in the 75kg event, believes that Amir Khan will not disappoint Lyariites with his promises of opening an academy in their locality.

Tanveer represented Navy in the week-long boxing tournament, which concluded at the People’s Stadium in Karachi on Monday and was named after Britain’s world renowned pugilist Amir Khan, who also attended the prize distribution ceremony.

“It was a special moment to receive my gold medal from Amir Khan at the closing ceremony,” Tanveer told The Express Tribune. “This is especially encouraging for Lyariites. I hope that Amir will keep his promise and open an academy for the boxers here. He has given us hope. I have a feeling that he won’t disappoint us.”

United through sport: Boxing for peace in Lyari

Tanveer easily outpointed Balochistan’s Faisal Khan 3-0 in the gold medal fight, but his team couldn’t match the overall prowess of Pak Army, who stood first in the overall rankings by winning three gold medals. Tanveer’s Navy finished second with a single gold, two silver and a bronze medal, while PAF claimed the third position via two silver medals.


Earlier, Amir had expressed his pleasure to be present at the landmark boxing event and urged his Pakistani fanbase to up their support in his future bouts.

Why ‘Amir Khan’ tournament, ask former boxers

“I’m glad I’m in Lyari,” said Amir. “I’ll make the academy for all the boxers here. I have a fight in March and I hope everyone in Pakistan watches it. I’ll come back to Lyari after the fight.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2015.

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