Boxing: Federation laments government’s lack of support

Ongoing event not getting due coverage, says Bhutto.

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan Bhutto has lashed out at the lack of support by the government for the ongoing second Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament in Islamabad.

Bhutto said the tournament, in which 32 countries are taking part according to the federation, was not being recognised as an important one by the government and that was discouraging for the PBF.

“Whenever anyone does anything for Pakistan sports, he never gets appreciated,” Bhutto told The Express Tribune. “He is let down and I’m highly disappointed and hurt by such a reaction from the government. This event has not created excitement and it’s the fault of the media and the government. No one cares about the betterment of Pakistan sports.”

Bhutto hits back at allegations

Bhutto was also quick in dismissing suggestions that arrangements made for the players were poor.

“Anyone who claims that food and water are not of good quality can come and check. We’re providing mineral water and top-class food. We cannot prepare food like they have in their homes but I assure you that they’re having the best. All we receive is criticism instead of support.”

Bhutto also confirmed the participation of boxers from India, China and Iran, and added that British boxer Amir Khan will attend as a special guest at the tournament.

Mixed results for Pakistan on first day

Meanwhile, 16 bouts took place on the opening day of the event in Islamabad with Pakistan winning five of their 10 fights.

The first match, in the 46-kilogramme (kg) category, was played between Pakistan and Kenya with the hosts clinching the battle 21-3. The second match saw the hosts defeat Singapore 12-6 in the 46-49 kg category with Ghulam Mustafa winning his battle against Muhammad Solihin.

In the 56kg category, Naimatullah Khan beat Martin Obuder of Kenya 17-8 while Pakistan’s Waqar Ahmed beating Manheet Singh in the 91kg category. In the 64kg category, Ambomo Serge from Cameron downed Pakistan’s Tariq Zia from 18-6.

A total of 16 teams are participating in the tournament including Pakistan, India, Iran, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Central Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, Philippines, Syria, Slovenia, Singapore.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2011.