Sorry tale of Pakistani boxers
Deprived of basic facilities, pugilists losing passion before Olympics qualifiers.
GUIYANG:
Nisar Khan considered hanging his gloves for the second time in his career before his commitment with his department from where he earns his livelihood stopped him making such a move.
The 29-year old boxer, who won several accolades for Pakistan including gold at the Saff Games and a bronze at the Asian Championship, is thoroughly disappointed with the attitude the authorities are showing to its boxers.
“I am involved in boxing just because of my department,” said Nisar who has the rank of sergeant in Pakistan Army. “I earn Rs17,000 from my department which is my only source of income and it is my department that forces me to compete otherwise I would have never come back after I quit in 2005.”
‘Give us basic facilities’
A dejected Nisar blamed lack of basic facilities and biased attitude of sports authorities as reasons for his disappointment.
“During extensive training camps at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), getting protein supplements and fruits is a huge ask. We have to beg for a glass of milk even. We have to rely on ordinary meal after our intensive workout.
“We only get Rs100 as travel and daily allowance. If we receive a cut or an injury, we are left only on God’s mercy as there is no medical facility.”
While Pakistan does not enjoy top rankings in the sport on the global stage, it is also a case of lost passion for boxers given the attitude of the authorities.
“The passion is dead after getting such attitude.”
Boxing needs money
Pakistan’s head coach Ali Baksh agreed with the complaints and asked the sports authorities to take the sport seriously if they expect the boxers to win medals in international events.
“It is a potential Olympics medal-winning sport and the government should spend money for its promotion,” said the coach. “Hockey has started showing improvement as its federation has started spending money. The boxers can also do wonders if investments are made on them.
Foreign boxers have contrasting fortunes
In contrast, pugilists from other countries have been treated well and are busy in getting the best possible preparations for the qualifiers. Boxers from Norway, a nation that hardly wins medals on the international arena, are competing in back-to-back events and training camps.
“Our male boxing team is in Lithuania for an event,” Martin Ketel, Norway’s assistant coach, told The Express Tribune.
“We have a non-stop schedule of tours and camps before this September’s qualifiers. Our boxers get around $100 per day as allowance during camps which is barely anything at all.”
Indian boxing on the rise
India, too, is making great inroads into the boxing world as the government is spending money, according to one of its coaches Mahaveer Singh.
“Our preparation is on track,” said Singh. “Our men’s team is in Cuba for training and they are also getting a good number of international events. Our boxers have no financial issues as all national level boxers are employed in departments drawing handsome salaries.”
With the qualifiers just three months away, Pakistan, given the lack of support, is now looking for a miracle.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2011.
Nisar Khan considered hanging his gloves for the second time in his career before his commitment with his department from where he earns his livelihood stopped him making such a move.
The 29-year old boxer, who won several accolades for Pakistan including gold at the Saff Games and a bronze at the Asian Championship, is thoroughly disappointed with the attitude the authorities are showing to its boxers.
“I am involved in boxing just because of my department,” said Nisar who has the rank of sergeant in Pakistan Army. “I earn Rs17,000 from my department which is my only source of income and it is my department that forces me to compete otherwise I would have never come back after I quit in 2005.”
‘Give us basic facilities’
A dejected Nisar blamed lack of basic facilities and biased attitude of sports authorities as reasons for his disappointment.
“During extensive training camps at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), getting protein supplements and fruits is a huge ask. We have to beg for a glass of milk even. We have to rely on ordinary meal after our intensive workout.
“We only get Rs100 as travel and daily allowance. If we receive a cut or an injury, we are left only on God’s mercy as there is no medical facility.”
While Pakistan does not enjoy top rankings in the sport on the global stage, it is also a case of lost passion for boxers given the attitude of the authorities.
“The passion is dead after getting such attitude.”
Boxing needs money
Pakistan’s head coach Ali Baksh agreed with the complaints and asked the sports authorities to take the sport seriously if they expect the boxers to win medals in international events.
“It is a potential Olympics medal-winning sport and the government should spend money for its promotion,” said the coach. “Hockey has started showing improvement as its federation has started spending money. The boxers can also do wonders if investments are made on them.
Foreign boxers have contrasting fortunes
In contrast, pugilists from other countries have been treated well and are busy in getting the best possible preparations for the qualifiers. Boxers from Norway, a nation that hardly wins medals on the international arena, are competing in back-to-back events and training camps.
“Our male boxing team is in Lithuania for an event,” Martin Ketel, Norway’s assistant coach, told The Express Tribune.
“We have a non-stop schedule of tours and camps before this September’s qualifiers. Our boxers get around $100 per day as allowance during camps which is barely anything at all.”
Indian boxing on the rise
India, too, is making great inroads into the boxing world as the government is spending money, according to one of its coaches Mahaveer Singh.
“Our preparation is on track,” said Singh. “Our men’s team is in Cuba for training and they are also getting a good number of international events. Our boxers have no financial issues as all national level boxers are employed in departments drawing handsome salaries.”
With the qualifiers just three months away, Pakistan, given the lack of support, is now looking for a miracle.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2011.