QUETTA: Boxers Naimatullah Khan and Mohammad Waseem, who won gold and silver medals, respectively, at the South Asian Games, were warmly welcomed on reaching their ancestral city Quetta on Saturday.
President Balochistan Boxing Association Syed Faqir Hussain, other office-bearers, boxers, players and fans in a large number were present at the Quetta airport who showered rose petals on the medal winning boxers on their arrival through a PIA flight.
Provincial minister for sports Mir Shahnawaz Maree also arrived here with the boxers through the same flight.Talking on the occasion, medalist boxers Naimatullah Khan and Mohammad Waseem said that they are very happy on their achievement at the SAF Games.
They said they secured medals for the country and they would work hard in the same spirit to win more medals in future.Silver medalist Waseem said that justice was not done with him in the final as he was winning the contest against an Indian boxer.
Provincial minister Shahnawaz Maree said that the boxers would be eencouraged in every possible manner.On this occasion, he announced cash prizes of Rs200,000 each for both boxers and promised to give them full financial assistance like athlete Naseem Hameed, who made a name of the country at the SAF Games.The minister said that he would also request the governor and the chief minister of Balochistan to announce a financial assistance for the two boxers.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Amir hopes to clinch first Las Vegas date
Amir Khan hopes the lure of becoming a champion at four different weights will be enough to tempt Juan Manuel Marquez into the ring.
Khan is set to make his US debut in May and is desperate to take on the Mexican legend.
The WBA light-welterweight champion has already agreed to the fight, which new promoters Golden Boy are keen to finalise for May 15 in Las Vegas - but Marquez is still to commit.
Oscar de la Hoya is personally trying to persuade lightweight king Marquez, to take on Khan - but the 36-year-old's camp fear he is not ready to face such a powerful opponent following his brutal points defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr last September.
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer revealed: "Amir Khan has accepted the challenge. Oscar is talking to Marquez.
"Marquez understands this is a fight where he can make a good purse and the same is true for Amir Khan, so we are trying to put this fight together.
"This is a dangerous fight for either guy. For Marquez, it gives him the opportunity to become the first Mexican to win a title in a fourth weight class. And for Amir Khan it gives him the opportunity to have that big fight in the United States. That's why it makes it such an interesting fight."
Marquez' reticence to sign on the dotted line shows the daunting reputation Khan has built since defeating Andreas Kotelnik and Dmitriy Salita.
The WBO and WBA lightweight champion has desperately tried to secure a bout with Ricky Hatton - even offering to fight the Hitman in Manchester.
But Khan's emergence as a power-puncher under the guidance of Freddie Roach has led Marquez' camp to suggest he is not the right opponent for their man.
Marquez' manager Nacho Beristain said: "Khan is very strong and it is not a good fight for Marquez right now because he's not fully recovered from the Mayweather fight, which was just brutal.
"I think it's better to get another opponent. He should not be exploited again. Juan Manuel deserves to retire like a true champion and not as someone's stepping stone."
The WBA wanted Khan to defend his title against mandatory challenger, Marcos Maidana, but that fight has now been postponed.
Both the 23-year-old and Golden Boy are keen to pit him against a major name for his US debut.
Marquez certainly fits that category and would be bidding to add to the titles he has won at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight.
Schaefer said: "Marquez in my opinion, and still in the opinion of many, is the best Mexican fighter currently active. He brings the Mexican fans and his whole legacy to the table.
"The guy is a legend and he has to be treated and respected as such. Then you have Amir Khan who is the world champion at 140lbs and they would be fighting for the world title."
Khan is set to make his US debut in May and is desperate to take on the Mexican legend.
The WBA light-welterweight champion has already agreed to the fight, which new promoters Golden Boy are keen to finalise for May 15 in Las Vegas - but Marquez is still to commit.
Oscar de la Hoya is personally trying to persuade lightweight king Marquez, to take on Khan - but the 36-year-old's camp fear he is not ready to face such a powerful opponent following his brutal points defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr last September.
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer revealed: "Amir Khan has accepted the challenge. Oscar is talking to Marquez.
"Marquez understands this is a fight where he can make a good purse and the same is true for Amir Khan, so we are trying to put this fight together.
"This is a dangerous fight for either guy. For Marquez, it gives him the opportunity to become the first Mexican to win a title in a fourth weight class. And for Amir Khan it gives him the opportunity to have that big fight in the United States. That's why it makes it such an interesting fight."
Marquez' reticence to sign on the dotted line shows the daunting reputation Khan has built since defeating Andreas Kotelnik and Dmitriy Salita.
The WBO and WBA lightweight champion has desperately tried to secure a bout with Ricky Hatton - even offering to fight the Hitman in Manchester.
But Khan's emergence as a power-puncher under the guidance of Freddie Roach has led Marquez' camp to suggest he is not the right opponent for their man.
Marquez' manager Nacho Beristain said: "Khan is very strong and it is not a good fight for Marquez right now because he's not fully recovered from the Mayweather fight, which was just brutal.
"I think it's better to get another opponent. He should not be exploited again. Juan Manuel deserves to retire like a true champion and not as someone's stepping stone."
The WBA wanted Khan to defend his title against mandatory challenger, Marcos Maidana, but that fight has now been postponed.
Both the 23-year-old and Golden Boy are keen to pit him against a major name for his US debut.
Marquez certainly fits that category and would be bidding to add to the titles he has won at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight.
Schaefer said: "Marquez in my opinion, and still in the opinion of many, is the best Mexican fighter currently active. He brings the Mexican fans and his whole legacy to the table.
"The guy is a legend and he has to be treated and respected as such. Then you have Amir Khan who is the world champion at 140lbs and they would be fighting for the world title."
Khan chases Malignaggi bout
Briton determined to make big splash on US debut
Amir Khan has revealed he is looking to make his debut in America by taking on Paulie Malignaggi at New York's Madison Square Garden on May 15.
There has been continued speculation over Khan's next opponent following his switch to join Golden Boy promotions last month.
It was thought the WBA light-welterweight champion would take on mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana, with Juan Manuel Marquez another name mentioned.
However, having already made one mandatory defence with his first-round demolition of Dmitriy Salita in December, Khan is looking to take on a bigger name than Maidana in his first appearance Stateside.
It is understood his representatives approached Marquez, but with the Mexican rumoured to have turned down the chance to fight the young Briton on Wednesday, Khan has now set his sights on Malignaggi.
"May 15 is the date that I have, the fight will be in America, and opponent - we are looking at Malignaggi," Khan confirmed.
"We were looking at Marquez, who pulled out, so it's Malignaggi up to now and we want to hear what he thinks about the fight.
"Golden Boy have put the fight to his promoter Lou DiBella, so we will see where we go from here.
"I want to fight him in his home town (New York) and beat him in his home town in front of his own people.
"The fight has not been made 100% yet but I think there is a very good chance of it happening.
"When it does happen, I'm just going to go in there and do what I normally do and I really think Malignaggi has a style which is going to make me look good.
"He's not at my level. He has a few good wins in America, but it's another fight for me and I'll go there and do what I have to do."
Amir Khan has revealed he is looking to make his debut in America by taking on Paulie Malignaggi at New York's Madison Square Garden on May 15.
There has been continued speculation over Khan's next opponent following his switch to join Golden Boy promotions last month.
It was thought the WBA light-welterweight champion would take on mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana, with Juan Manuel Marquez another name mentioned.
However, having already made one mandatory defence with his first-round demolition of Dmitriy Salita in December, Khan is looking to take on a bigger name than Maidana in his first appearance Stateside.
It is understood his representatives approached Marquez, but with the Mexican rumoured to have turned down the chance to fight the young Briton on Wednesday, Khan has now set his sights on Malignaggi.
"May 15 is the date that I have, the fight will be in America, and opponent - we are looking at Malignaggi," Khan confirmed.
"We were looking at Marquez, who pulled out, so it's Malignaggi up to now and we want to hear what he thinks about the fight.
"Golden Boy have put the fight to his promoter Lou DiBella, so we will see where we go from here.
"I want to fight him in his home town (New York) and beat him in his home town in front of his own people.
"The fight has not been made 100% yet but I think there is a very good chance of it happening.
"When it does happen, I'm just going to go in there and do what I normally do and I really think Malignaggi has a style which is going to make me look good.
"He's not at my level. He has a few good wins in America, but it's another fight for me and I'll go there and do what I have to do."
I want to inspire young Asians, says Amir
London: BOXER Amir Khan hopes he can inspire more young Asians to be the best in sport.
The World Champion is ambassador for the British Asian Sports Awards, set up to recognise and honour British Asian sporting talent.
The awards were held in London on Saturday and winners included Formula One racer Adam Khan, Yorkshire and England cricketer Adil Rashid, Queens Park Rangers Vice-Chairman Amit Bhatia and England women’s cricketer Isa Guha.
Expert judges included former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash and Olympic Gold medallist, Denise Lewis.
Speaking at the event Amir said: “Role models drive young talent to excel in their sport so I feel that this awards show is important in recognising the role models of the future. Being an ambassador is a great honour for me because I’m able to give something back to the community and inspire more Asians to be the best in their sport.”
Asian Games hero awaits govt support
QUETTA: Quetta�s neglected hero Nematullah Khan, who clinched gold medal in 11th South Asian Games, is looking for government support, Geo News reported Friday.
Khan, a resident of Quetta�s Kakar Colony, belongs to a very poor family; but, he grabbed gold medal in 54-kg weight category�the only medal in six-member team participating in the boxing event.
Nemat�s father is a labourer having a family with seven sons and four daughters.
The national hero started boxing in 2004 from a local club here with Salahud Din as his coach. The Coach termed his performance as promising.
Din said the boxer started his sport career from his club, then he moved to national camp, adding he had no money to buy ticket for Karachi.
The hero Nemat works on contract in Wapda to earn 7000 rupees monthly.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Ex-Olympian hails Baloch boxers for securing medals
QUETTA: Former Olympian and three time gold-medalist in Asian Games Syed Abrar Hussain has praised the Baloshistan-based boxers for winning gold and silver medals at South Asian Games and termed it a positive development.
Talking with Geo News, Abrar Hussain said that all the boxers who won medals in the SAG deserve to be congratulated but the Pakistan boxing team should have won more medals.
He said that four boxers participated in the SAF Games 1984 and all of them won gold medals and in 1989, ten out of eleven boxers got gold medals.
Talking with Geo News, Abrar Hussain said that all the boxers who won medals in the SAG deserve to be congratulated but the Pakistan boxing team should have won more medals.
He said that four boxers participated in the SAF Games 1984 and all of them won gold medals and in 1989, ten out of eleven boxers got gold medals.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
AIBA awarded membership to Gambia
Africa:Gambia
The International Boxing Association has extended its recognition to the newly elected executive committee of the Gambia Amatuer Boxing Association, headed by Yusupha Jaiteh.
In a letter signed by the President of the International Boxing Association Ching-Kuo Wu, the world's boxing President, on behalf of the entire ALBA family, congratulates Yusupha Jaiteh and his committee on their recent election.
"I am confident that those elections took place in full compliance with the association's constitution, and that all officers were duly and respectfully elected," he said.
Ching-Kuo Wu expressed gratitude that The Gambia has a new leader to further enhance boxing programmes in the country.
Reacting to this development, the Gambia Amateur Boxing Association has promised to work towards achieving positive changes in Gambian Boxing this year and years to come.
The International Boxing Association has extended its recognition to the newly elected executive committee of the Gambia Amatuer Boxing Association, headed by Yusupha Jaiteh.
In a letter signed by the President of the International Boxing Association Ching-Kuo Wu, the world's boxing President, on behalf of the entire ALBA family, congratulates Yusupha Jaiteh and his committee on their recent election.
"I am confident that those elections took place in full compliance with the association's constitution, and that all officers were duly and respectfully elected," he said.
Ching-Kuo Wu expressed gratitude that The Gambia has a new leader to further enhance boxing programmes in the country.
Reacting to this development, the Gambia Amateur Boxing Association has promised to work towards achieving positive changes in Gambian Boxing this year and years to come.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Pakistan stands 3rd in SAG boxing event
Niamat gets gold for Pakistan in SAG Boxing
KARACHI: Pakistan won one gold and a silver medal Monday to claim third position in the ongoing 11th South Asian Federation Games 2010.
Quetta-born Niamat Ullah won gold medal in 54kg Bantamweight category when he out-punched Bhutani boxer Sigyel by the score of 14-8.
However, skipper of Pakistani boxing contingent, Mohammad Waseem beaten by Indian captain and current Asian Champion Suranjoy Singh by 4-11 points.
Pakistan claimed a total of four medals; one gold and silver medal each with two bronze medals; while two Pakistani boxers adnan hussain (60kg) and Abid Ali (57kg) failed in quarter final and never won any medal.
President of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Lt Gen (Retd) Arif Hassan was present at Mohammad Ali Boxing Stadium Dhaka to watch Pakistani boxers in action.
On the medals table, Pakistan stood third with four golds, while India claimed the first spot with three gold medals and Bangladesh finished there campaign on second position with two gold medals, one silver and two bronze.
Two other boxers Nadir Baloch (48kg) and Amir Khan were defeated in the semi-final stage and both had to content with bronze medal.
Pakistan Boxing team will cam back at Karachi airport today (Tuesday) at 5-15pm along with some other contingent teams.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Pakistan boxing coach hopes for gold in South Asian Games
Karachi: Pakistan boxing coach Francisco Hernandez Roldan expects only one gold medal at the South Asian Games where he believes India will be the toughest rivals and the favourites in the competition. Karachi, Pakistan. 02/02/2010
The Cuban, however, chose to keep the name of the Pakistani boxer and even the weight category in which there is a chance of winning the gold, a secret.
'I can’t disclose who can or will win the gold medal at the South Asian Games. But I am sure that we will at least win one gold. I don’t know who my boxers will face as it depends on the draw, but if we consider the credentials, then no doubt India is the favourite,' Roldan said in an exclusive interview with Dawn.com at the training camp.
The six Pakistan boxers to fight at the games will be light-flyweight Nadir Baloch, flyweight Mohammed Waseem, bantamweight Naimatullah, featherweight Abid Ali, lightweight Adnan Hussain and light-welterweight Amir Khan.
The coach had reasons for considering India as the favourites as they have been doing remarkably well in the international boxing for quite some time and even won their first-ever Olympic boxing medal when Vijender Kumar bagged the middleweight bronze at 2008 Beijing Games.
'They (India) have won the bronze medal at the Olympics. They are in the world ranking and they have a steady Cuban coach since 1992 which makes them the strongest side in the boxing competitions of the games,' said the coach.
Roldan said there were at least 44 Indian boxers available for the international competitions which makes India a formidable side. The South Asian Games which started on Friday in the Bangladeshi capital city of Dhaka.
But it is not only India the Pakistani coach considers a formidable challenge. Roldan is also cautious about the Sri Lankans who might give their opponents a tough time at the games.
'Both India and Sri Lanka regularly train in Cuba for one or two months in a year. Besides, Sri Lanka also has the services of Cuban coaches for the last 10 or 12 years which gives them an edge. They (India and Sri Lanka) will be the greatest challenge at the games.'
Asked why Pakistan could not be considered a powerhouse at the South Asian Games since it also had Cuban coaches for over 10 years, Roldan said lack of experience of Pakistani boxers was the major reason.
'Pakistan does have Cuban coaches for quite a long time but this team is very, very young, and of course inexperienced. They need more international exposure and training tours. If we calculate, the average age of our boxers is just 19. They need time and exposure to groom.'
According to Roldan, Nadir, Naimatullah, and Abid are 19 years old, while Amir is just 18.
About light-flyweight Mohib Bacha, who won the gold at the Benazir international tournament in Karachi last month, the coach said he was dropped as the names of the boxers had already been finalized.
'It was necessary to submit the entries (to the Pakistan Olympic Association) early. And when the names were finalized, Mohib was not as good as Nadir was. So Nadir will be fighting in light-flyweight in Dhaka,' he explained.
Nevertheless, Roldan does not consider South Asian Games just a sparring session for the bigger events such as Delhi Commonwealth Games in October and Guangzhou Asian Games in November. The coach says he will be taking the South Asian Games as seriously as the forthcoming events.
'The South Asian Games will not be a build-up to the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. For me, it is a very important event where we should give our best to win medals.’
Roldan said he would suggest to the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) to send the national pugilists to Cuba on a two-month training tour in June and July.
'Pakistan will also take part in the Commonwealth championships in March in India. And Mohib will also be coming with us this time. After the championships, I will ask the PBF to send the boxers to Cuba for training,' said the coach.
As Roldan believes the present squad has not taken a final shape, there will be changes for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
The Cuban, however, chose to keep the name of the Pakistani boxer and even the weight category in which there is a chance of winning the gold, a secret.
'I can’t disclose who can or will win the gold medal at the South Asian Games. But I am sure that we will at least win one gold. I don’t know who my boxers will face as it depends on the draw, but if we consider the credentials, then no doubt India is the favourite,' Roldan said in an exclusive interview with Dawn.com at the training camp.
The six Pakistan boxers to fight at the games will be light-flyweight Nadir Baloch, flyweight Mohammed Waseem, bantamweight Naimatullah, featherweight Abid Ali, lightweight Adnan Hussain and light-welterweight Amir Khan.
The coach had reasons for considering India as the favourites as they have been doing remarkably well in the international boxing for quite some time and even won their first-ever Olympic boxing medal when Vijender Kumar bagged the middleweight bronze at 2008 Beijing Games.
'They (India) have won the bronze medal at the Olympics. They are in the world ranking and they have a steady Cuban coach since 1992 which makes them the strongest side in the boxing competitions of the games,' said the coach.
Roldan said there were at least 44 Indian boxers available for the international competitions which makes India a formidable side. The South Asian Games which started on Friday in the Bangladeshi capital city of Dhaka.
But it is not only India the Pakistani coach considers a formidable challenge. Roldan is also cautious about the Sri Lankans who might give their opponents a tough time at the games.
'Both India and Sri Lanka regularly train in Cuba for one or two months in a year. Besides, Sri Lanka also has the services of Cuban coaches for the last 10 or 12 years which gives them an edge. They (India and Sri Lanka) will be the greatest challenge at the games.'
Asked why Pakistan could not be considered a powerhouse at the South Asian Games since it also had Cuban coaches for over 10 years, Roldan said lack of experience of Pakistani boxers was the major reason.
'Pakistan does have Cuban coaches for quite a long time but this team is very, very young, and of course inexperienced. They need more international exposure and training tours. If we calculate, the average age of our boxers is just 19. They need time and exposure to groom.'
According to Roldan, Nadir, Naimatullah, and Abid are 19 years old, while Amir is just 18.
About light-flyweight Mohib Bacha, who won the gold at the Benazir international tournament in Karachi last month, the coach said he was dropped as the names of the boxers had already been finalized.
'It was necessary to submit the entries (to the Pakistan Olympic Association) early. And when the names were finalized, Mohib was not as good as Nadir was. So Nadir will be fighting in light-flyweight in Dhaka,' he explained.
Nevertheless, Roldan does not consider South Asian Games just a sparring session for the bigger events such as Delhi Commonwealth Games in October and Guangzhou Asian Games in November. The coach says he will be taking the South Asian Games as seriously as the forthcoming events.
'The South Asian Games will not be a build-up to the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. For me, it is a very important event where we should give our best to win medals.’
Roldan said he would suggest to the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) to send the national pugilists to Cuba on a two-month training tour in June and July.
'Pakistan will also take part in the Commonwealth championships in March in India. And Mohib will also be coming with us this time. After the championships, I will ask the PBF to send the boxers to Cuba for training,' said the coach.
As Roldan believes the present squad has not taken a final shape, there will be changes for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
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