Boxing: Depleted Pakistan leave for ‘uphill task’

Haroon misses out as boxers take part at World Boxing Championship.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s boxing squad, minus Haroon Khan, was due to leave for Azerbaijan earlier this morning to compete in the World Boxing Championship that has been dubbed mission impossible by the country’s federation.

The tournament, starting tomorrow, acts as a qualifying event for next year’s Olympics and all boxers reaching the last-eight will be confirmed a place in next year’s global event. However, the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) is not expecting a breakthrough after Haroon’s withdrawal from the competition.

The UK-based boxer, who competes in the 52-kilogramme (kg) event, withdrew after Mohammad Waseem, placed in the same category, refused to reduce his weight for the 49-kg category.

“Realistically speaking we have little chance of qualifying,” PBF Secretary Akram Khan told The Express Tribune. “We had high hopes from Haroon because he’s doing well at his brother’s academy. Now we can only pray because Waseem will be up against the best boxers and advancing to the quarter-finals is a huge task.”

The secretary said that Waseem failed to understand that he would have a better chance of qualifying in the 49-kg category but added that Haroon will represent Pakistan at the Asian Championship, which will also serve as the Olympic qualifiers.

Waseem vows to give his best

With the pressure mounting, Waseem, a Commonwealth Games bronze medal winner, hoped to prove his worth.

“I’ve the belief that I can make it happen,” he said. “I know it would be tough but I’m going with a positive mind.”

Aamir Khan (64kg) and Mohammad Hussain (56kg) are the other boxers to fight for a place in Olympics.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd,  2011.