Coach wants medals from everyone

Pakistan boxers eyeing wins as China Open starts today.

GUIYANG:

Pakistan coach Ali Baksh is hoping all of his four boxers grab medals at the second edition of China Open of Boxing that starts today in Guiyang.

A total of 147 boxers representing 22 countries are taking part in the eight-day championship with Pakistan’s representation coming in the form of Mohammad Waseem, fly-weight, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and experienced boxer Nisar Khan  middle-weight, Amir Khan (64kg, light welter weight) and Sardar Mohammad  light-weight.

“All our boxers are in good touch,” Baksh told The Express Tribune in Guiyang. “They’ve worked hard in the training camp for three months and I remain optimistic that all of them will win medalsin the events they compete in.”

Baksh, however, warned them that winning their respective categories will not be an easy task.

“Obviously it won’t be easy out here with the participants eyeing Olympics qualifiers. They must have come well-prepared.”

A total of 25 bouts will be competed on the opening day while the weight test and draws will be held just before the start of the tournament.

Nisar goes for gold

Nisar, the only Pakistan boxer who won a medal last year as he finished third, is aiming for an improved show this time round.

“I’m confident of winning the gold medal this time,” said the former Saff Games gold medallist. “I am fit and well prepared for the championship. It is our first international assignment in this important year and a good result will boost my confidence before major competitions like the World Championship that will act as qualifiers for the London Olympics.”



Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2011.