Boxing camp starts amid tight security

KARACHI: Major international sporting action returns to Pakistan after months with the joint boxing training camp that will witness participation of seven countries apart from hosts preparing for the Commonwealth Games.

The camp starts at the Liaquat Gymnasium Jinnah Sports Complex today and will run until September 28 before the Games. Around a hundred boxers from Sri Lanka, Central Africa Republic, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mauritius, Uganda and Kenya besides Pakistan are taking part in the camp.

“It would provide great preparation because our boxers will get training of international standards at home,” said Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Secretary Akram Khan.

“We’re very happy to host all these nations because it sends a positive message to the rest of world,” added Khan while recalling the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Tournament that played host to 25 countries in January. He said that a cost of Rs 2 million borne by the Pakistan Sports Board and Pakistan Olympic Association is being spent on the camp and that 22 boxers from Pakistan will attend the camp.

Sri Lanka squad arrive

A six-member Sri Lankan boxing team comprising five boxers and a coach arrived yesterday in Islamabad to take part in the 35-day long camp.

“It’s an unprecedented moment for sports in Pakistan and we’re thankful to the POA and the PSB for their assistance,” said PBF President Doda Khan Bhutto.

Meanwhile, the PBF has taken the services of a Pakistan Army major who will supervise security arrangements for the visiting teams. “We have hired Major Nasir Tung as the security in-charge of the camp and we’re hopeful that the camp will be held in befitting manner,” said Akram. He added that various security personnel would be deployed around the boxers’ accommodation areas and the venue.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2010.