Pakistan boxers depart today for President Cup

Squad comprises five pugilists including Commonwealth Games medalist.

KARACHI:

Pakistan pugilists will depart today for Jakarta, Indonesia to compete in the 21st edition of the President Cup Boxing Tournament that starts tomorrow.

The national squad, comprising five boxers, will be spurred by the presence of Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Mohammad Waseem (52kg). Mohibullah (49kg), Syed Mohammad Hussain (56kg), Amir Khan (64kg) and Arshad Hussain (69kg) are the other boxers representing the country in the tournament where over 20 countries including Kazakhstan, China, Philippines, Chinese Taipei and India are expected to take part.

The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Secretary Akram Khan said that participation in the event will prepare the players ahead of September’s World Championship that also acts as the qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.

“With limited resources we’re trying to give our boxers maximum international exposure,” Khan told The Express Tribune.

“The World Championship is very important and our boxers will get confidence for the event by competing in the President Cup, where we’re expecting medals from them as they’ve worked hard.”

Meanwhile, Waseem, the country’s most successful boxer is hoping for better luck in Jakarta after he fell prey to impartial refereeing during the quarter-final loss at the China Open earlier this month.

“I’ve left that disappointment behind me and I’m looking to win a medal in this tournament,” he said.

PBF wants national camp to continue

The PBF has requested the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to continue the national camp which is underway in Islamabad.

The PSB had directed the PBF to discontinue the ongoing camp till July 18 due to non-availability of funds.

“Our team is preparing for the World Junior Championship, which starts this month,” said Khan.  “We just want accommodation from the PSB and are ready to bear the expenses”.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2011.