Critics of a controversial decision to dispense with headguards in amateur boxing were given more ammunition yesterday when Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem claimed an Asian Games medal just seconds into his quarter-final.
Flyweight Waseem and Azat Usenaliev accidentally clashed heads moments after the starting bell with the Krygyzstan boxer suffering a nasty gash above his eye.
Unable to continue, the referee had no option but to stop the fight with just 28 seconds gone and awarded Waseem the win on technical knockout.
Waseem advances to the semi-finals where he will face Uzbekistan’s Shakhobidin Zoirov and is thus guaranteed at least a bronze medal.
The International Amateur Boxing Association discarded headguards last year in a bid to align more closely with the professional game.
Several fights in Incheon have had to be stopped for cuts caused by accidental head clashes, which were rare with headguards.
According to Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera, most of the spectators were rooting for Waseem.
“The crowd was cheering for Waseem,” Ganjera told The Express Tribune. “I’m quite confident that he can win his next bout for a silver medal as well.
“We have faith in his ability and hope he will make Pakistan proud.”
Ganjera added that another Pakistan pugilist Sanaullah will compete at the quarter-final of the 91kg event today and has a good chance of progressing to the semi-finals.
Hockey
The Greenshirts will be up against Malaysia in the men’s hockey semi-final at the Asian Games today, and according to Ganjera, Pakistan are favourites to win.
“The team is motivated and so far in the tournament, Pakistan have performed better than Malaysia,” said Ganjera. “It’s going to be a thrilling match, and we’re hoping for an eventual gold medal in hockey.”
Kabaddi
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh 24-11 in the Group A match of the men’s kabaddi event.
“Even though we are coming back to this event after a long break, we should win silver in kabaddi” said Ganjera.
Wrestling
Wrestler Muhammad Asad Butt lost his bronze medal fight in the 74kg event to South Korea’s Sangkyu Lee 3-1 and Muhammad Iman lost the 86kg quarter-final 4-1 to Kazakhstan’s Yesbolat Nurzhumbayev.
Meanwhile, Pakistan men’s volleyball team defeated Myanmar 3-0 in a Group H play-off, while India outclassed Pakistan 3-0 in table tennis. Pakistan also lost to Thailand in mixed doubles 3-0, whereas Muhammad Rameez received a bye in the round of 64 of the men’s singles event.
In shooting, Khurram Inam finished 21st out of 39 participants in the men’s skeet qualifying round.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2014.
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