Coach ‘dissatisfied’ as boxing camp ends

Coach says lack of participation of other countries means Pakistan is deprived of international exposure.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan coach Francisco Hernandez Roldan has expressed dissatisfaction at the team’s preparation for the Commonwealth Games as the 35-day-long training camp concluded today at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex. Roldan, a Cuba-based coach, said that the lack of participation of other countries meant that Pakistan was deprived of the international exposure that was needed before the mega event.

“I’m not happy with the preparations and cannot guarantee a miraculous performance of the boxers in the event,” Roldan told The Express Tribune.

The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) dropped the plan of a three-month-long training tour in Cuba ahead of the Games due to lack of funds and opted to organise a joint-training camp in Pakistan, also featuring other countries. The camp, however, saw the participation of only Sri Lanka pugilists as the other countries, which confirmed participation, pulled out due to different reasons.

“I wanted international exposure for my players and wanted them to play official bouts with foreign boxers, which is a must before going for a mega event,” said the coach.

“It is a big competition where boxers from all over the world will take part. How can I promise medals in such a situation?”

Six Pakistan boxers, who will feature in the event, underwent extensive training in the camp along with 16 other local boxers and a group of four Sri Lanka pugilists. They also competed in aspiring fights against the boxers.

“Training and aspiring have their own values but a real fight is a completely different thing which gives athletes match practice for major competitions.”

The coach, who took over Pakistan charge last October, singled out Mohammad Waseem as the main hope for a medal at the Games.

“I am hoping for a gold medal from Waseem because he showed superb performance in the camp. He is also the fittest of our boxers,” said Roldan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2010.