Waseem to lead Pakistan’s medal hopes
Boxers depart today for ASBC Championship in South Korea.
KARACHI:
Mohammad Waseem will carry Pakistan’s hopes in the Asian Boxing Confederation Championship that starts in South Korea from August 4.
Apart from Waseem, who will compete in the 52-kilogramme (kg) event, Pakistan will be represented by six other boxers: Usman Butt (56kg), Qadir Khan (60kg), Aamir Khan (64kg), Arshad Hussain (69kg), Nisar Khan (75kg) and Yasir Javed (91kg).
Twenty-five countries are expected to take part in the event.
The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) has decided to send an increased number of players to the tournament since the upcoming event will be the last international assignment before the World Championship that will serve as the Olympic qualifiers.
“The boxers have the potential to qualify for the Olympics,” PBF Secretary Akram Khan told The Express Tribune. “We wanted to give them exposure at a competitive international event before the World Championship. The ASBC event will give experience to them before the important event.”
‘Boxers well prepared’
Meanwhile, coach Ali Baksh said the boxers were well-prepared for the South Korea event.
“They’ve worked hard in the camp,” said the coach. “They are in good shape and I expect a good performance from them. Waseem is improving and I’m hopeful that he will return with a medal.”
Waseem, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, has failed to bag a medal in his previous two assignments but secured third place at the President Cup in Jakarta.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 2nd, 2011.
Mohammad Waseem will carry Pakistan’s hopes in the Asian Boxing Confederation Championship that starts in South Korea from August 4.
Apart from Waseem, who will compete in the 52-kilogramme (kg) event, Pakistan will be represented by six other boxers: Usman Butt (56kg), Qadir Khan (60kg), Aamir Khan (64kg), Arshad Hussain (69kg), Nisar Khan (75kg) and Yasir Javed (91kg).
Twenty-five countries are expected to take part in the event.
The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) has decided to send an increased number of players to the tournament since the upcoming event will be the last international assignment before the World Championship that will serve as the Olympic qualifiers.
“The boxers have the potential to qualify for the Olympics,” PBF Secretary Akram Khan told The Express Tribune. “We wanted to give them exposure at a competitive international event before the World Championship. The ASBC event will give experience to them before the important event.”
‘Boxers well prepared’
Meanwhile, coach Ali Baksh said the boxers were well-prepared for the South Korea event.
“They’ve worked hard in the camp,” said the coach. “They are in good shape and I expect a good performance from them. Waseem is improving and I’m hopeful that he will return with a medal.”
Waseem, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, has failed to bag a medal in his previous two assignments but secured third place at the President Cup in Jakarta.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 2nd, 2011.