Boxing federation set for showdown

Standoff between secretary, president continues.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) is set for a showdown between its president Doda Khan and secretary Akram Khan with a meeting of the executive body expected to take place before the end of the month.

Both officials have been locked in a battle with each claiming to have evidence of corruption against the other. A meeting, called by Doda, to present the evidence, however, ended without a conclusion.

Meanwhile, the general body had chosen Waqar Maroof, PBF executive vice president, to take charge until elections are held in December.

“Now Akram is planning to call the PBF’s executive body meeting soon,” a PBF official told The Express Tribune. “He’ll present evidence against the president and that will be made public.”

The conflict between the duo arose when Pakistan boxers failed to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. It was alleged that despite the Pakistan Sports Board granting the funds, Doda kept the money to himself, which hindered the team’s preparations.

“Doda withdrew money without the permission of the PBF secretary and the National Accountability Bureau Sindh will be involved in this case.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2012.