Boxing: Pakistan want Roldan reappointed

Boxing federation feels Cuban coach can help players recover for Olympic qualifiers.

KARACHI:

After a dismal performance by Pakistan at the World Boxing Championships, the country’s federation is itching to reappoint Cuban coach Francisco Hernandez Roldan.

The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF), that sent three players to Baku for the tournament, is now relying on the Cuban to deliver the results that have eluded them so far. Mohammad Waseem and Amir Khan were knocked out in their last-32 matches while Mohammad Hussain made an exit after his first bout.

The tournament also served as an Olympic qualifier but the PBF now wants to ensure a ticket for the 2012 London Olympics and is focusing on the Asian Championship that starts in February. Pakistan also failed to qualify for Beijing 2008 and face an uphill task as only the finalists in Kazakhstan will ensure their berths at the London event.

However, the PBF believes that Roldan can revive hopes as he coached the players when Waseem clinched a gold medal at the Combat Games before claiming bronze at the Commonwealth Games along with Haroon Khan last year.

The PBF Secretary Akram Khan said the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has approved appointment of the Cuban coach but a delay would affect the country’s preparations. “We have the go-ahead for any Cuban coach,” Akram told The Express Tribune from Baku. “But we’ll prefer Roldan because the boxers did well under him in comparison to this year. We just want the PSB to reappoint him quickly. His contract just needs to be renewed.”

Waseem can still represent Pakistan

Meanwhile, Waseem, who was involved in a tussle with the federation on weight issue, still has a chance to represent Pakistan, according to Akram.

The 52-kilogramme (kg) boxer, who refused to reduce his weight to pave way for Haroon, was given a final chance by the federation at the Baku event. However, the secretary said the boxer can still represent the country.“He has realised that he had a better chance at qualifying in the 49-kg category,” said Akram.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2011.