Haroon pulls out of Asian Games

CW bronze-medallist ruled out for three months after injury.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s medal hopes for the forthcoming Asian Games suffered a blow as British-born Haroon Khan was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Haroon, younger brother of WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, has been advised by his doctor to take a three-month rest to heal an injury in his right shoulder.

“Haroon’s doctor has told him to take a rest for three months after he was diagnosed with a right shoulder injury,” said Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Secretary Akram Khan. “Haroon informed me that he couldn’t participate in the Asian Games.”

Haroon, who did not join the boxing camp for the Asian Games that started in Islamabad last month after sustaining a minor injury to his right hand’s little finger, was due to arrive a week prior to the squad’s departure for the Games.

Akram said that the news of his injury was a setback for the PBF as it was expecting another impressive show from him. “Yes, after his brilliant performance in the Commonwealth Games, we were hoping for another medal winning performance from him at the Asian Games.”

He added that they could not feature another boxer in the 52-kilogramme weight category, which is now vacant as Haroon has pulled out from the event, because of the lapse of the deadline.

Haroon and Mohammad Waseem bagged bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games held in India. The boxing team was the second most successful team from Pakistan at the Games.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2010.