The boxer from Bolton

By Altamish Jiwa

Karachi: At the age of 23, when most young men are finishing up their studies and thinking about what to do with their lives, Amir Khan has already made a name for himself in the world of boxing.

This WBA world light-welter weight champion started boxing at the age of eight, when his father took him to a local boxing club near their home in Bolton, UK. “Amir was a very hyper active child, to burn off his extra energy and to calm him down I enrolled him in a boxing club, never thinking that one day he would become a champion,” says Amir's proud father, Shujaat Khan.

The initiative taken by Amir's father was also supported by his mother: “I was very happy when my husband took him to the gym because then he would be tired when he came back and would not get up to mischief and just go straight to sleep,” says Falak Khan.

Meanwhile, the young boy himself had never been happier. “Boxing really calmed me down and gave me positive energy. I still remember the sound of the punching bag and the sweat at the gym. I loved it and it made me go to the gym again and again,” says Amir in an exclusive interview with Dawn.

A natural athlete, Amir was passionate about several sports in addition to boxing while growing up. He enjoyed football, rugby and long-distance running. In fact, Amir was at one point the 1,500 metres champion of greater Manchester. But on one fateful night, he chose to become a boxer. “On the night of my running competition, I had a boxing match,” recalls Amir. “I had to pick one and I picked boxing; this is my sport and I have given everything to it.” And that’s when the running stopped and the sparring started.

Amir's hard work and dedication to the sport was soon to pay dividends. In 2003, he became the European student champion and went on to win gold medals in almost all the competitions on both sides of the Atlantic. These wins qualified him for the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he won a silver medal after loosing out to an opponent older and more experienced than him.

After winning the silver medal, Amir had become a household name in Britain, but he wanted more. The very next year, he turned pro and bid farewell to his amateur career in which he had won 100 matches and lost just two. As a pro, Amir fought in the lightweight category and soon went up a category to fight in the light- welterweight category, a decision which he reversed after he lost to French boxer Rachid Drilzane.

Amir fought his way back in 2006 and went on to win back-to-back matches all the way up to 2008. Then, once again, his career hit turbulence when he split with his coach Oliver Harison and soon after lost to Bredis Prescott under Jorge Rubio's guardianship. Amir's promoter Frank Warren was not happy with how things were turning out for his boxer, and Rubio was soon sacked. This time, however, Team Khan roped in one of the best coaches in the business, Freddie Roach. “Getting Freddie Roach was the best move,” admits Amir. “My style has changed and now I have a world title. Freddie has changed my life.”

With Freddie at the ring side, Amir went on to beat Andreas Kotlenick to win the WBA world light-welterweight championship belt. Subsequently, he defended his title, crushing Dmitry Salita in just 76 seconds. The stunning title defence against the American silenced critics and brought much admiration for the boxer.

Now with a world title tied around his waist, Amir knows he is a hot commodity. “I am an exciting fighter, that’s what I bring to the crowds. Wherever I fight I have sell-out arenas. Hundreds of thousands of people are buying my fights on TV and I get more love than any other fighter in Britain.”

Although he is cognisant of his fame and appeal, Amir manages not to seem vain in person. Signing autographs, posing for photographs, referring to his fans as ‘bro,’ Amir also makes every effort to mention how much he has learnt from senior boxers and how grateful he is for his trainers, coaches, fans, followers and, most importantly, his parents along with uncle ‘Taz’.

Despite achieving so much so early in life Amir stays true to his roots. Living with his family in their home in Bolton, Amir looks forward to returning to his mother’s cooking after a long day of training. Even in the matter of matrimony, Amir says he will stick to tradition and never defy the will of his parents.

Amir’s father Shujaat explains that, “we, as parents, have tried our best to keep our son close to us, our religion and our culture. I remember as kid Amir would go to school, then go for a run, take a shower, and then go to the mosque from where I would pick him and take him to the gym. This was his daily routine.”

Given his familial ties to the country, Amir is planning on fighting in Pakistan and working towards the development of boxing here. “My dream is to fight in Pakistan one day,” he confesses.

Until then, Amir plans to work hard and continue excelling in the ring. “I have had lots of ups and downs, but I have always been a fighter and I am strong willed,” he says. “It’s the extreme hard work I have put in this sport and that’s helped me reach so far.” With the support of his parents, the dedicated members of Team Khan, and millions of fans across the globe, especially in Britain and Pakistan, this young lad from Bolton is surely destined for world boxing domination.

Iraq seeks improvement in boxing

KARACHI — Iraq has the potential to do well in international boxing once the country stabilises, said the country's boxing chief on Saturday, after his team won three medals in a tournament in Pakistan.

Three of the eight Iraqi boxers entered in the 20-nation Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship, which finished in Karachi Friday, won medals -- a result Ghazi Abdul Samad termed satisfactory considering the situation in Iraq.

"I am happy with the results and hope that once the situation back home improves we can achieve more success at international level, especially with the Asian Games coming up in China later this year," Samad told AFP.

Ahmed Badr won a silver after he lost a one-sided final to Cameroon's Mulema Joseph 15-0 in the 69 kg category.

Mostafa Mohammed Galloub won another silver in the 91 Kg event, losing the final to Xuan Bao of China after the referee stopped the bout.

Hassan Ali Shakir won a bronze after losing his semi-final bout to the host country's Nadir Baloch in the 48 kg category on Thursday.

Samad said the boxers find it hard to train under the prevailing circumstances.

"There is lack of facility and lack of funds, but once the situation improves and with more government support we can hope of improvement and our sports like football and boxing can win more laurels," said Samad.

He said he hopes an event in Kazakhstan next month will help his team prepare for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in November 2010.

"We will send six boxers to the Kazakhstan championship starting from February 15 and hope they get the kind of preparation needed for an event like the Asian Games and come good in the bigger events," said Samad.

Iraq was banned from competing in the Beijing Games last year before the International Olympic Committee lifted the ban following negotiations. However, they couldn't get any entry in boxing.

I am Pakistan's world champion, say Boxer Amir Khan

KARACHI: British boxing prodigy of Pakistani descent Amir Khan says as he considers himself a world champion from Pakistan and that his visit should also serve as an assurance that the country is safe for holding sporting activities.
The 23-year-old believes the world community should stop portraying Pakistan negatively because of some incidents of violence. He feels that although there has been some violence in the country, things should not be blown out of proportion.
‘Pakistan is a beautiful country. It is a great sporting nation. The world must support it by coming here for sporting activities. If Pakistan is isolated then the talent here will not be groomed,’ Khan told a press conference on Thursday.
Khan, also known as 'King Khan' for his sensational feat at the 2004 Athens Olympics where he grabbed the silver at the age of 17 after losing to Cuban hero Mario Kindelan in the final, said he will also try to convince English cricketers to visit Pakistan.
Pakistan has seen a slump in international sporting activities since the attacks on the visiting Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore. Cricket being a high-profile sport was hit badly when International Cricket Council shifted the Champions Trophy to South Africa last years after several countries including England refused to play in Pakistan because of security concerns, while hockey is also suffering owing to violence in the country.
Khan, who turned professional after the Athens Games and became a sensation in the UK and his country of origin Pakistan after winning the WBA light-welterweight title last year, defeating Ukrainian Andreas Kotelnik, is on a visit to Pakistan on an invitation of Pakistan Boxing Federation.
The world champion will watch the Benazir Bhutto international boxing tournament finals on Friday, the first international sports tournament after the attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers.
Raja Iqbal Amir Khan, commonly known as Amir Khan, also a cousin of England cricketer Sajid Mahmood, says he is proud of his Pakistani roots and even considers himself a Pakistani world champion.
‘When I was in London to support the Pakistani cricket team at Twenty20 World Cup final, there were two champions from Pakistan – the Pakistan cricket team and the second one was me,’ said Khan who says he never faced any discrimination or racism in England because of his Pakistani descent.
‘I have never faced any problem, discrimination or racism. People in UK love me and see me as a fellow Briton just like the way Pakistanis see me as their countryman,’ said Khan who is also known as the ‘Golden Boy of UK’ since he became the youngest British boxing Olympic medallist.
Khan promised he will at least fight once in Pakistan in his career but it will not be before 2011 or 2012 because of his professional commitments.
‘I want to promote boxing in Pakistan and I will definitely have at least one fight here in my career but that cannot be expected before 2011 or 2012. But one fight in Pakistan is something I will surely like to happen,’ said Khan in an exclusive interview with Dawn.com.
The Briton, whose boxing idol is legendry former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, said although professional boxing was exciting, he missed the amateur version of the game as he cannot participate in Olympics being a professional.
‘I must say amateur boxers should come into professional boxing only after some experience, not before that,’ said Khan.
Khan’s Dec 5 fight last year against Dmitriy Salita of the United States was seen in the Western media with much interest as he was a British Muslim while the American was Jewish. The Briton, however, says he never saw the fight as a clash between civilisations or religions.
‘It was all made up in the media. He (Salita) belongs to another religion but I took it professionally rather than making it a religious issue,’ said the world champion who successfully defended his title by thrashing mandatory challenger Salita in just 76 seconds in Newcastle, England, to break the unbeaten record of the American.
Having an impressive record of 22 victories and a loss against Colombian Breidis Prescott, Khan he said would love to have Pakistani boxers train with him at his Bolton academy, adding that he expected enormous improvement in Pakistani boxing within a year.
‘With a younger president of Pakistan Boxing Federation and promotion of the game, I can see huge changes and vast improvement in Pakistani boxing. Boxing is a sport for the brave. You need a brave heart for boxing. Boxing is not poor man’s game in the UK. It is a rich sport. So my advice for Pakistani boxers is to work harder and aim high, and I am sure they will achieve success’ said Khan.
Khan, however, did not agree that Britain can ever become the next Cuba in amateur boxing, saying it was not likely to happen as most of the British boxers turned professional.
‘No, I don’t think Britain can be what Cubans are in the amateur boxing because the British boxers usually turn professional, while Cubans don’t as they have restriction on joining professional ranks,’ said Khan attired in a white coat, jeans and boxing-style white leather shoes.
Khan’s father Shajaad Khan said his son’s achievements came because of his hard work and his parents’ support.
‘We (Khan’s parents) are behind him. If he wants to box, we will never stop him. Whenever he says it’s over, we will never force him to box. But since he is into boxing, he has our support,’ says Shajaad Khan.
‘Amir has always been a down-to-earth kid. He replies each and everyone’s e-mails. Once he sent an e-mail to British champion Prince Naseem Hamed when he was just 11. Naseem never replied. When Amir had a chance to meet Naseem, he asked why he never replied to his e-mail. Now he (Amir) still remembers this and never forgets to reply to e-mails from his fans,’ Khan’s uncle Tahir Mahmood told Dawn.com.
Khan will leave Karachi on Saturday for his ancestral town Rawalpindi where he will spend some time before leaving for UK.

China crowned champions, Pakistan win one gold medal

By Alam Zeb Safi

KARACHI: Pakistan, who had fielded 22 boxers, finished with a single gold, three silver and eight bronze as China lifted the trophy with Syria as runners-up at the end of the historic Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament which concluded here at the KPT Benazir Sports Complex on Friday night.

China, who had played with seven boxers, extended stunning performance by capturing four gold, one silver and two bronze to finish at the top while Syrian pugilists, who also exhibited great potential, ended the show with two gold and two silver. Thailand got two gold medals while one gold each went to Mongolia and Cameroon.

The hosts were lucky to kiss a single gold as the light flyweight final was an all Pakistan affair in which short-statured Mohib Bacha, representing Pakistan Whites, beat Nadir Baloch of Pakistan Greens.

It was a tough fight and both boxers were going neck in neck, but in the last round Mohib unleashed a flurry of fantastic punches to get few quick points to clinch the gold.

In the flyweight, Abdul Waheed lost to Anan Pongkhet of Thailand after a sensational fight. The visitor was leading 1-0 at the end of the second round but Waheed, who was expected to win, put up a tough fight in the last round but in the end went 1-2 down.

Adnan Hussain was the other Pakistani boxer who had to content with silver when he conceded lightweight fight to Ibrahim Sanda of Syria 6-2.

Similarly, in the bantamweight final, Yong Dang of China was given walkover against Mongolian J Otgonbayar of Mongolia.

The featherweight gold medal went to Donchai Thathi of Thailand when he ousted Wessam Salamana of Syria 1-0. Donchai got a single point in the first round and was able to maintain it till full time with some solid defensive approach.

In the light welterweight, B Tuvshinbat of Mongolia edged past Mashhurbek Ruziyev of Uzbekistan 7-2 while Cameroon’s Mulema Joseph outclassed Ahmed B Jassem of Iraq 15-0 to get the only gold for his country.

Syria’s Moustafa Fara exhibited bewildering aggression when he overpowered Sile Hu of China 14-3 in the middleweight while China’s Fanlong Meng beat Imre Szello of Hungary in the light heavyweight final to lift the second gold for his side.

The heavyweight gold also went to China when Xuan Bao beat Moustafa Mohammad of Iraq as the latter got injured in the second round.

Heshuai Li took fourth gold for China when he was declared the winner by the jury on points after he ended the show with his rival Ghson Ahmad of Syria with 2-2.

At the end closing ceremony was held which was graced by the light welterweight world champion Amir Khan of England, the federal sports minister Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, federal minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination and former sports minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani. Also present were the president of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) General (retd) Arif Hassan, secretary Abdul Khaliq Khan, the Consul General of Afghanistan Abdul Ahad and the Sindh Sports Minister Dr Muhammad Ali Shah.

The winners China were handed over a glittering trophy and $2,500, the runners-up Syria were handed over trophy and $1500. B Tushinbat of Mongolia was declared the best boxer and was given $2,500. British Pakistani world champion Amir Khan and Olympic bronze medallist Syed Hussain Shah were also given gold medals on behalf of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF).

Similarly, the gold medallists were also handed over a cash prize of $500 each, the silver medallists received $250 each while the bronze medallists got $100 each.

Result:

Light Flyweight (48kg): Mohib Bacha (Pakistan Whites) bt Nadir Baloch (Pakistan Greens); Flyweight (51kg): Anan Pongkhet (thailand) bt Abdul Waheed (Pakistan Whites); Bantamweight (54kg): Yong Dang (China) bt J Otgonbayar (Mongolia); Featherweight (57kg): Donchai Thathi (Thailand) bt Wessam Salamana (Syria); Lightweight (60kg): Ibrahim Sanda (Syria) bt Adnan Hussain (Pakistan Greens); Light Welterweight (64kg): B Tuvshinbat (Mongolia) bt Mashhurbek Ruziyev (Uzbekistan); Welterweight (69kg): Mulema Joseph (Cameroon) bt Ahmed B Jassem (Iraq); Middleweight (75kg): Moutafa Fara (Syria) bt Sile Hu (China); Light Heavyweight (81kg): Fanlong Meng (China) bt Imre Szello (Hungary); Heavyweight (91kg): Xuan Bao (China) bt Mustafa Mohammad (Iraq); Super Heavyweight (+91): Heshuai Li (China) bt Ghson Ahmad (Syria).

Nine Boxers from Africa and Cameroon accepted Islam In Karachi

Karachi,Pakistan: Gbodo Ygor, 28, came to Pakistan last week to participate in the light welter weight category in the Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament.
But he will be returning to his homeland, the Central Africa Republic (CAR), as Ali Akber after having embraced Islam along with eight other boxers from the Central Africa Republic and Cameron.

“Though, I could not win the title, I have won something much bigger than that. I am by the grace of Allah a Muslim now,” he told IslamOnline.net in an exclusive interview.

“I cannot forget that moment. I feel that I have achieved my destination,” said a twinkling-eyed Akber, the eldest among four sisters and three brothers.

Hundreds of people cheered with vociferous Allah-o-Akbar (Allah is Great) when six CAR and three Cameroonians boxers took the shahada at the Jamia Binoria International in the suburbs of the southern port city of Karachi.

They queued up to hug and greet the new Muslim brothers and distributed traditional sweets.

“What a wonderful welcome we have accorded here,” said Akber.

“We could not believe that we will be treated as celebrities after converting to Islam.”

The boxers’ conversion had made headlines in local media.

“I am happy with them, whether they are Christians or Muslims, because both religions take you towards God,” Lumande Kristin, President of the Central Africa Republic Boxing Association, told IOL.

“I am happy that they have converted to a religion of peace and equality,” added Kristin, himself a Christian.

“They won’t face any problem back home, socially or economically. They are our heroes and will remain our heroes no matter what religion they belong to.”

“Though, I could not win the title, I have won something much bigger than that. I am by the grace of Allah a Muslim no,” Akber told IOL.
Journey

Although his mother and father had embraced Islam, Akber’s journey to Islam took longer.

He credits his coach Muhammad Kalambaye for guiding him into that decision.

“I have started taking interest in Islam a few years back, when Muhammad joined our boxing squad as a coach,” Akber recalls.

“He never forced us to learn about Islam, but it was his way of living and a good character, which propelled us to take interest in Islam.”

A strong-built Muhammad, a middle-aged former boxer, did not attract only Akber towards Islam, but five other boxers.

“We all decided to embrace Islam in Pakistan as it was the first ever Muslim country we have ever visited,” says Akber.

“My two colleagues were reluctant to embrace Islam at this stage as they wanted to learn more about that. But when we (four) informed them that we are going to embrace Islam tomorrow, to our surprise, they wished to join us.”

He says the best qualities of Islam with which they were impressed are equality and altruism.

“I have had various Muslims in my neighborhood who always help not merely each other but also the non-Muslims in any hour of need.

“They told me that to help others is an inseparable part of Islam. I was really moved by this vigor and commitment,” he added.

“And of course, there is no superiority concept in Islam.”

Akber says his coach would often quote the famous saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that no Arab is superior to a non-Arab and no white is superior to a black in Islam.

“This concept of equality really attracted me.

Akber says his parents screamed in joy when he informed them about embracing of Islam by telephone.

“I already gave them a hint before departing for Pakistan that I would bring a special gift for them from there. But I didn’t tell them directly about my plans.

“They are over exuberant.”

He hopes to help his brothers and sisters, who are still Christians, find their way to Islam.

“Inshaullah, Allah will soon shower his blessing upon them as well.”

“We loved it when he said Asalam-o-Alakum in a loud tone every day. In fact, it was the first thing that attracted us towards Islam,” Ahmed told IOL.
Asalam-o-Alakum

Ketchemi Justin, a feather weight boxer from the Cameroonian city of Yaounde, has a similar story to narrate.

“Credit goes to my colleague (boxer), Mohammad Ismail, who has been my best friend for the last five years.

“He is the one who motivated me and my other colleagues to learn about Islam, which was a completely new religion for us because a majority of population in my city are Christians,” Justin, who has adopted the Muslim name Mohammad Ahmed, told IOL with his friend Ismail sitting next to him with a big smile on his face.

Three other colleagues, who too have been reading about Islam for the last couple of years, also embraced Islam.

“We all didn’t know much about Islam. We started taking interest in Islam after witnessing Ismail, who prays five times no matter how tight schedule we have,” says Ahmed.

“We loved it when he said Asalam-o-Alakum in a loud tone every day. In fact, it was the first thing that attracted us towards Islam.”

The Cameroonian boxer does not expect any difficulties because of his decision to embrace Islam.

“Our society is not like that. But even then, if there is a problem I will face that Inshaullah and will never complaint.”

Ahmed also hopes to help his parents, 3 sisters and two brothers find Islam.

“My parents and brothers and sisters do not know much about Christianity as well. They are living a haphazard life. I am sure I will convince them to learn about Islam,” he said.

“I don’t think they will be unhappy with my decision. Even if they are unhappy, I will never be unhappy with them and will treat them with more love and affection.”

Nine African Boxers Accepted Islam in Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan: Gbodo Ygor, 28, came to Pakistan last week to participate in the light welter weight category in the Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament.
But he will be returning to his homeland, the Central Africa Republic (CAR), as Ali Akber after having embraced Islam along with eight other boxers from the Central Africa Republic and Cameron.

“Though, I could not win the title, I have won something much bigger than that. I am by the grace of Allah a Muslim now,” he told IslamOnline.net in an exclusive interview.

“I cannot forget that moment. I feel that I have achieved my destination,” said a twinkling-eyed Akber, the eldest among four sisters and three brothers.

Hundreds of people cheered with vociferous Allah-o-Akbar (Allah is Great) when six CAR and three Cameroonians boxers took the shahada at the Jamia Binoria International in the suburbs of the southern port city of Karachi.

They queued up to hug and greet the new Muslim brothers and distributed traditional sweets.

“What a wonderful welcome we have accorded here,” said Akber.

“We could not believe that we will be treated as celebrities after converting to Islam.”

The boxers’ conversion had made headlines in local media.

“I am happy with them, whether they are Christians or Muslims, because both religions take you towards God,” Lumande Kristin, President of the Central Africa Republic Boxing Association, told IOL.

“I am happy that they have converted to a religion of peace and equality,” added Kristin, himself a Christian.

“They won’t face any problem back home, socially or economically. They are our heroes and will remain our heroes no matter what religion they belong to.”

“Though, I could not win the title, I have won something much bigger than that. I am by the grace of Allah a Muslim no,” Akber told IOL.
Journey

Although his mother and father had embraced Islam, Akber’s journey to Islam took longer.

He credits his coach Muhammad Kalambaye for guiding him into that decision.

“I have started taking interest in Islam a few years back, when Muhammad joined our boxing squad as a coach,” Akber recalls.

“He never forced us to learn about Islam, but it was his way of living and a good character, which propelled us to take interest in Islam.”

A strong-built Muhammad, a middle-aged former boxer, did not attract only Akber towards Islam, but five other boxers.

“We all decided to embrace Islam in Pakistan as it was the first ever Muslim country we have ever visited,” says Akber.

“My two colleagues were reluctant to embrace Islam at this stage as they wanted to learn more about that. But when we (four) informed them that we are going to embrace Islam tomorrow, to our surprise, they wished to join us.”

He says the best qualities of Islam with which they were impressed are equality and altruism.

“I have had various Muslims in my neighborhood who always help not merely each other but also the non-Muslims in any hour of need.

“They told me that to help others is an inseparable part of Islam. I was really moved by this vigor and commitment,” he added.

“And of course, there is no superiority concept in Islam.”

Akber says his coach would often quote the famous saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that no Arab is superior to a non-Arab and no white is superior to a black in Islam.

“This concept of equality really attracted me.

Akber says his parents screamed in joy when he informed them about embracing of Islam by telephone.

“I already gave them a hint before departing for Pakistan that I would bring a special gift for them from there. But I didn’t tell them directly about my plans.

“They are over exuberant.”

He hopes to help his brothers and sisters, who are still Christians, find their way to Islam.

“Inshaullah, Allah will soon shower his blessing upon them as well.”

“We loved it when he said Asalam-o-Alakum in a loud tone every day. In fact, it was the first thing that attracted us towards Islam,” Ahmed told IOL.
Asalam-o-Alakum

Ketchemi Justin, a feather weight boxer from the Cameroonian city of Yaounde, has a similar story to narrate.

“Credit goes to my colleague (boxer), Mohammad Ismail, who has been my best friend for the last five years.

“He is the one who motivated me and my other colleagues to learn about Islam, which was a completely new religion for us because a majority of population in my city are Christians,” Justin, who has adopted the Muslim name Mohammad Ahmed, told IOL with his friend Ismail sitting next to him with a big smile on his face.

Three other colleagues, who too have been reading about Islam for the last couple of years, also embraced Islam.

“We all didn’t know much about Islam. We started taking interest in Islam after witnessing Ismail, who prays five times no matter how tight schedule we have,” says Ahmed.

“We loved it when he said Asalam-o-Alakum in a loud tone every day. In fact, it was the first thing that attracted us towards Islam.”

The Cameroonian boxer does not expect any difficulties because of his decision to embrace Islam.

“Our society is not like that. But even then, if there is a problem I will face that Inshaullah and will never complaint.”

Ahmed also hopes to help his parents, 3 sisters and two brothers find Islam.

“My parents and brothers and sisters do not know much about Christianity as well. They are living a haphazard life. I am sure I will convince them to learn about Islam,” he said.

“I don’t think they will be unhappy with my decision. Even if they are unhappy, I will never be unhappy with them and will treat them with more love and affection.”

Pakistan is a Safe Sports Place, Boxer Amir Khan

KARACHI -World boxing champion Amir Khan on Thursday promised to help bring international sports back to Pakistan, saying he would try to convince English cricketers to tour the insurgency-hit nation.

"I am pleased to be back in the country of my forefathers and when people see me touring Pakistan it will put in their minds that it's a safe place to play," Khan, a Briton of Pakistani descent, told a press conference.

Khan, who became World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight champion last year, is in Karachi as a guest for the 20-nation Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship, named after the slain former prime minister.

The tournament is the first major international sporting event in Pakistan since a militant attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team in March 2009 left eight people dead and injured seven players and a coach.

Even before the attacks, foreign teams had refused to play in major cricket, hockey and football events in the country, where security has deteriorated since the Pakistan became a partner in the US-led "war on terror" in 2001.

Khan, 23, said he would try to convince England cricketers to tour Pakistan, starting with his cousin, England player Sajid Mahmood.

"I know a lot of English players like Andrew Flintoff and (current captain) Andrew Strauss, who I can tell that playing in Pakistan is safe," he said.

"The world must support Pakistan as it's a great sporting nation and it should not be left alone because if the world leaves them alone then the talent in Pakistan could not be harnessed."

England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy last year citing security fears, forcing the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move it to South Africa.

The ICC also stripped Pakistan of its World Cup 2011 matches after the attack on the Sri Lankan team.

"What happened in the past was deplorable, but at times the situation is blown out of proportion, which is disappointing," Khan said.

Khan, whose parents hail from a small village near Rawalpindi, rose to prominence when he won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics at the age of 17 -- the youngest British boxing medallist.

Popularly known by his nickname "King Khan", the boxer turned professional in 2005 after a win-loss record of 100-2 in amateur bouts.

"Pakistani cricketers are world class and I am amazed to see the boxing talent as four Pakistani boxers are in the final of the Benazir Bhutto tournament, which proves there is a great future for the sport," Khan said.

"I am there as inspiration and can help Pakistani boxers train whenever they want to come to my academy in Bolton. I am ready to train them and win world titles," said Khan, who also promised to fight a professional bout in Pakistan.


--AFP

Another nightmare for Pakistan as six pugilists crash out

KARACHI: While Pakistan had a horrible day as all six local pugilists crashed out including medal hope Nadir Khan, China emerged strong contenders with four of their boxers reaching the Benazir Bhutto international boxing finals at KPT Sports Complex on Tuesday.
The biggest disappointment in the Pakistan camp was the loss of middleweight Nadir of Pakistan Whites who was ousted 3-2 by Syrian Moutafa Fara after a tough battle.

In a neck-and-neck fight, the Fara started his campaign with some good shots and the led the opening round 1-0. Nadir came out against his tough rival with full force in the second round, throwing good jabs to end with score tied at 1-1.

The third round once again saw a ferocious fight as both were at their best, but as the round again finished at 1-1, the Syrian emerged winner.

Pakistan performed miserably in the heavier weights as light-heavyweight Mohammad Ali, heavyweights Yasir Javed and Imran Shah fail to cross their first hurdle in the tournament. All the three boxers had been directly placed into the semi-finals after receiving byes.

Mohammad Ali of Pakistan Whites was stopped in the first round by Imke Szello of Hungary after receiving a head injury, while Yasir of Pakistan Greens was a 4-2 loser against Chinese Xuan Bao.

Imran of Pakistan Whites proved no match against his Iraqi opponent Musatafa Mohammad who was declared a 6-1 winner, while welterweight Zakir Hussain, also from Pakistan Whites, was saved by his coach Francisco Hernandez Roldan who threw in the towel in the third round against Mulema Joseph of Cameroon.

Super-heavyweight Waqar Ahmed of Pakistan Whites was sent packing by Heshuai Li of China after a 4-0 defeat.

Another Chinese Sile Hu also stormed into finals after he stopped Aung Ko Ko of Myanmar in he second round of the middleweight fight.

The two Indian boxers also crashed out of the event when Parnoj Kumar was thrashed by China’s Fanlong Meng 5-2 in the light-heavyweight, while Naresh was beaten 4-1 by Syria’s Ghson Ahmad in the super-heavyweight category.

Six more Pakistanis will be battling for final spot on Wednesday. Light-flyweight Nadir Baloch of Pakistan Greens will battle against Hassan Ali Shakir of Iraq, while Mohib Bacha of Pakistan Whites faces Mahmudov Alisher of Uzbekistan.

In flyweight semi-finals, Abdul Waheed of Pakistan Whites will clash with Niamogui Songlnekani of Central African Republic, and Mohammed Waseem of Pakistan Greens meets Anan Pongkhet of Thailand.

Pakistan Whites’ Nawaz Dad will tackle Ibrahim Sanda of Syria in the lightweight semi-finals, while Adnan Hussain of Pakistan Greens faces Hanggai Bayin of China in the same category.

Results (semi-finals):

Welterweight: Ahmed B. Jassem (Iraq) bt Selebangue Welcome (Central African Republic) 3-0; Mulema Joseph (Cameroon) bt Zakir Hussain (Pakistan Whites) bt (retired/III).
Middleweight: Sile Hu (China) bt Aung Ko Ko (Myanmar) RSC/injury/II; Moutafa Fara (Syria) bt Nadir Khan (Pakistan Whites) 3-2.
Light-heavyweight: Imke Szello (Hungary) bt Mohammad Ali (Pakistan Whites) RSC/H/I; Fanlong Meng (China) bt Parnoj Kumar (India) 5-2.
Heavyweight: Xuan Bao (China) bt Yasir Javed (Pakistan Greens) -2; Mustafa Mohammad (Iraq) bt Imran Shah (Pakistan Whites) 6-1.
Super-heavyweight: Heshuai Li (China) bt Waqar Ahmed (Pakistan Whites) 4-0; Ghson Ahmad (Syri) bt Naresh (India) 4-1.

PBF needs strong administrator: Hussain

KARACHI: Pakistan’s only Olympic medallist Hussain Shah said while country needs a strong administrator to run the boxing affairs, he did not see a single personality who can lead the sport into right direction.
'The Pakistani boxers need exposure but they need to be controlled. For that purpose, we need a personality like Major (Abdul) Rasheed who was a strict disciplinarian. But frankly, I don’t see any personality who can match him,' the 1988 Seoul Olympic bronze medallist told Dawn.com on Monday.

While Pakistan won several medals under the former president of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Anwar Chowdhry, a sharp decline was seen after his ouster as International Boxing Association (AIBA) chief in 2006.


Chowdhry had been blamed by several foreign boxing officials for manipulating results at international events in favour of Pakistani boxers, using his influence as AIBA president.

Hussain, who has been specially invited as a guest by Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) for ongoing Benazir international boxing tournament, said the national boxers should be sent abroad for training tours.

'But they (the boxers) should be sent to places where they cannot indulge in negative activities. Russia, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian States are ideally place where fighters can train in isolation and don’t have time to go astray,' said the former middleweight.

Hussain, however, rejected the idea of sending boxers to Cuba, saying the environment in the country might lead them to get involved in other activities rather than focusing on their game.

'Cuba is not an ideal place for training. I can say this because of my personal experiences as a boxer in the past.'

Interestingly, Pakistan coach Francisco Hernandez Roldan always underscored the need to send the boxers to Cuba for training.

Hussain emphasised the need of having more tournaments at home for the promotion of sport in the country.

When asked whether international tournaments where rules were being violated blatantly would serve the purpose of promoting the game in Pakistan, the Olympian said tournaments at home could be the only way to popularise boxing.

'I must say more tournaments should be held and the boxers should be sent on training tours abroad. But one thing I must also say that the Pakistan boxers should avoid using drugs. I have heard and read reports about Pakistani boxers being caught for using drugs. These incidents bring bad name to the country, while they ruin boxer’s careers,' said Hussain.

Hussain, who has been living in Japan as professional boxing coach, said he had not received the two 80 square yards plots he was awarded after he won the Olympic bronze.

'I was awarded the plots after I won the bronze in 1988. I have submitted money but when I went to prepare the documents, I found that the lands had already been allotted to another person. I will really appreciate if the government takes action and helps me in acquiring the land.'

World boxing champion, Amir Khan to arrive in Pakistan Wednesday

ISLAMABAD, Jan 5 (APP): World Light-welterweight boxing champion (WBA) Amir Khan will arrive at Karachi on Wednesday to participate in the concluding ceremony of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed boxing tournament.The tournament is being held at the KPT Benazir Sports Complex,where boxers of 16 countries are participating.

Amir Khan, a British boxer of Pakistani origin, became the WBA World light-welterweight champion after defeating Andreas Kotelnik on 18 July 2009 at the age of 22, making him Britain’s third-youngest world champion after Naseem Hamed and Herbie Hide.
He was previously in the lightweight division, where he held the Commonwealth, WBO Inter-Continental and WBA International titles. He was also the youngest British Olympic boxing medalist,when he won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics at the age of 17. Khan is a British Pakistani descended from the Janjua Rajput clan His grandparents are originally from Rawalpindi. They decided to emigrate to England in 1950s.
He will stay in Pakistan along with his parents from January 6 to 11.

Olympian Hussain Shah for strong patronization of boxing in Pakistan

KARACHI, Jan 4 (APP): Pakistan’s boxing great Hussain Shah has called for strong patronization of fist-fighting in the country as it got good prospects for winning medals in Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games and other international competitions.“Pakistan got a lot of talent in boxing and with support from government and private sector they can bring laurels and honor to the country,” he told APP in an interview here on Monday on arrival from Tokyo (Japan) to witness the ongoing Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship.

Hussain Shah, who created history by becoming first Pakistani pugilists to grab the bronze medal in 1988 Olympics in Seoul (Korea), said boxing is the game of down trodden class and they needed support to perform at the national and international levels.

He complimented Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) for staging such a big international event in Pakistan which would help the country in promotion and development of sport.

He thanked PBF for inviting him as guest of honor for the championship. He said by holding such major event the game can be popularized and it created more opportunities for international exposure.

“I am now coaching professional boxers in Tokyo but if needed I will be available to serve Pakistan in any capacity when needed,” beaming Hussain Shah from Lyari said.

He said he owed everything to the country which gave him name and fame. “I owe everything to Almighty and Pakistan for what I achieved,” he added.

45-year-old Hussain Shah, who won the gold medal in 1987 Asian championship in 1987 also created record by winning five gold medals in a row in South Asian Games.

He said he would be holding peep talk with Pakistan boxers taking part in the championship and pass on the finer points of the game to them.

He expressed the hope that if proper steps are taken and concerted efforts are made Pakistan’s glorious past in boxing could be revived.

Pak boxing officials elated at India's participation

KARACHI: Pakistan Boxing Federation officials were on Thursday elated when a seven member Indian boxing squad - first sports delegation to travel

to Pakistan after last year's Mumbai terror attacks - reached here for Shaheed Benazir Bhutto international tournament.

Teams from Syria, Yemen, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Kenya, Iraq and Afghanistan have also reached here for the high profile event with the Chinese Taipei, Myanmar, Vietnam and Chinese teams arriving later.

Tournament Coordinator Iqbal Hussain received the Indian team at the Karachi Airport and described their arrival a big step towards resumption of sporting ties between the two countries.

The Indian squad that includes three boxers and a coach in Shiv Singh who told the media they were looking forward to the tournament.

"It is a big tournament and it is a good opportunity for our boxers to compete against competitors from many other countries," Singh said.

Asked why India had not brought more boxers for the tournament being held in 11 different weight categories, Singh said India had concentrated on those categories in which they were strongest.

He said that his squad was happy to be in Karachi and hopefully would enjoy their stay in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani is due to open the tournament on January 2 at the KPT sports complex with the provincial government providing state level security for the participating boxers and officials.

"The government is on high alert specially after the warning given out by the Taliban that they were planning more attacks after the suicide bomb attack on the Muharram procession on Sunday," a senior police official said.

Indian boxers in Pakistan for international championship

Karachi : India's [ Images ] seven-member boxing contingent – the first sports delegation to travel to Pakistan after last year's Mumbai terror attacks [ Images ] – on Thursday brushed aside security concerns after arriving in Karachi for an international boxing championship starting on Friday.

"We have no security concerns, the focus is on boxing and the rest is in the hands of our hosts," Indian coach Shiv Singh said after landing in Karachi.

Sanjay Singh (51kg), Naresh Singh (91kg) and Parnoj Singh (81kg) will compete in the event that will also feature boxers from Cameroon, Mangolia, Kenya, Afghanistan, Chinese Taipei, Myanmar and China.

Pakistan Boxing Federation chief Doda Khan Bhutto said more than 5000 security personnel would be deployed around the tournament venue and hotel where the teams would be staying.

"The government is aware that after a long time we are hosting such a big international sporting event and we want to ensure it is held smoothly and successfully as this would pave the way for more teams to come to Pakistan in other sporting events as well," Sindh sports minister Muhammad Ali Shah said.

Shiv Singh advocated a resumption of sporting ties between India and Pakistan, which has become a virtual pariah internationally especially after the March 3 terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore [ Images ].

"Pakistan and India must compete against each other, more so that they can improve and win more laurels at the international level," Singh said.

Indian team in Pakistan for boxing contest

Karachi - India sent their first sports team to Pakistan in more than a year on Thursday as a seven-member boxing team flew into Karachi to compete in a international tournament.

The boxers are the first Indian sports team to cross the border since India stalled sporting links with Pakistan after the November 2008 attacks on Mumbai, which New Delhi blamed on militants based in Pakistan.

India refused to allow their cricket team to tour Pakistan late last year, citing security fears.

Pakistan sent tennis, squash and snooker players to compete in India last year but New Delhi resisted sending their own sportsmen to Pakistan.
Continues Below ↓

'India and Pakistan are doing well at an international level and need to compete against each other'
The peace process between the two nuclear armed neighbours, which have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, collapsed after the Mumbai attacks.

Head coach of the Indian boxing team, Shiv Singh, said the boxers were happy to tour Pakistan.

"We have been cleared by the government to take part in the event and all the members of the squad are very happy to be here," Singh told reporters at the airport in Karach, Pakistan's financial capital.

Mohammad Ali Shah, the sports minister in Sindh province of which Karachi is the capital, promised foolproof security arrangements in the wake of a suicide attack that killed 43 people in the city on Monday.

On March 3, an attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore killed eight people and wounded seven Sri Lankan players and a coach, all but destroyed Pakistan's hopes of hosting top-level international sport.

Three Indian boxers - Sanjay Singh, Naresh Singh and Parnoj Singh - will compete in the international event named after former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in December 2007.

The organisers expect around 20 teams to compete in the week-long contest, which begins with an opening ceremony Friday.

Singh said both India and Pakistan are doing well at an international level and need to compete against each other.

"Pakistan and India must compete against each other, more so that they can improve and win more laurels at the international level," said Singh. "We have come here with good preparations and want to win."

Singh shrugged off security concerns, saying he has faith in the organisers.

"We have no security concerns, the focus is on boxing and the rest is in the hands of our hosts."

Teams from Iraq and Afghanistan are also due to compete in the event in which Pakistan will field two teams. - Sapa-AFP

Iraq Boxing Team Arrived for SBBIBT 2010

KARACHI – The sixteen-member boxing contingent from Iraq was given red-carpet welcome when it arrived here Wednesday to appear in the nine-day Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament starting here from January 1 at Benazir Bhutto Sports Complex.
The team was given special handling by the immigration authorities as the members of the team led by Manager Ghazi Abdulsamad Ahmed arrived in the immigration lounge.
Later, the team members were garlanded by Pakistan Boxing Federation special reception committee before the contingent was driven to the hotel.
The Iraqi contingent is: Hasan Ali Shakir 48 KG), Mustafa Raad Shayyal (51 KG), Hussein Aqeel Salim (54 KG), Mustafa Qasim Abd Tareef (57 KG), Raeed Hashim Zgher (60 KG), Omar Kifah Khadim (64 KG), Ahmed B Jassem (69 KG), Thoalfokar Abd Alkareem (75 KG), Mustafa Mohammad Challoob (81 KG), Alaa Hussein Jasim (91+ KG), Ghazi Abdulsammad Ahmed, Team Manager, Raad Khraibet Jurmut Team Official, Hussein Jasim Khalaf, team coach-1, Tareq Hilo Hameed, team coach-2, Kareem Qasim Khenyab, referee/judge, Sajid S Radhi Al-Lami Official.
The Iraqi team is second foreign team to arrive for the tournament which will be formally opened here January 1 at Benazir Bhutto sports complex KPT. Yemen team arrived here on Tuesday.
The boxing squads from Uzbekistan are due to land here some time late on Wednesday night. Uzbekistan has entered a six member squad in the competition.
The team includes three boxers and three officials.
They are: Mahmudove Alisher (48kg), Nazarov Olimjon (51kg), Khujabekov Shokhrukh (57kg), Makhmudov Olimjon (ASBC ITO), Tursunov Hamid (Referee/Jugde) and Usmanov Khabibulla (coach).
In the meantime the AIBA appointed technical delegate Mrs. Nieva Embuldenia of Sri Lanka visited the venue of the tournament to personally inspect the facilities there. She expressed her satisfaction on the arrangements. Officials of Pakistan Boxing Federation accompanied her to the venue.

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing to go ahead on schedule ,Doda Bhutto

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing to go ahead on schedule

KARACHI, Dec. 29 (APP): A top official of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF), Doda Khan Bhutto said on Tuesday that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship will go ahead despite suicide bomb blast here in the city on Monday.“Bomb blast is a big tragedy for the whole nation and we are mourning with all,” he told APP in an interview.He said he had contacted the Federal Interior Secretary in Islamabad and did get a security clearance from the Government.
PBF Chief said none of the countries who had reconfirmed their participation have sent any regret viz a viz thei participation in the championship following the suicide attack.

He said considering the current situation, the security in and around the team’s hotels and venue will be further beefed-up.
The 24-nation event is being staged at KPT’s Indoor Gymnasium from January 1 to 9.

He said 15 of the participating countries have also sent their travel itinerary.
Doda Khan said he also met President Asif Ali Zardari in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh during the second death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, who assured him all the financial assistance for holding the prestigious event.
He said, apart from the special grant from the Federal Government, Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qasim Ali Shah has also promised to provide special grant for the championship.
He said an estimated budget ranging in the tune of Rs. 70 to 80 million will be required for the event.

He informed that Federal Sports Ministry has sanctioned Rs.One million for the event, however, the money will be transferred in PBF accounts next month.
In the meantime, PBF Secretary Akram Khan said a 13-member Yemen squad including seven boxers and six officials has already arrived in Karachi.
Technical delegate of the event Nieva Embbuldinya of Sri Lanka also arrived here alongwith her husband on Sunday.

PBF Secretary said a 13-member Iraq contingent with eight boxers will be landing here late Tuesday night while a 7-member Uzbekistan team with four boxers and three officials will be landing here on Wednesday.
He said training arrangements for the pugilists have been in the team’s hotel.
He said despite some difficulties, the arrangements for holding the competition are in full swing.

He said a meeting of PBF officials with Sindh Sports Minister Dr.Muhammad Ali Shah will be held on Wednesday to discuss various issues related to holding of the championship in a befitting and smooth manner.

Cameroon, Kenya, Central Africa pugilists to train with Pakistan team

KARACHI, Dec. 26 (APP): Around 15 visiting boxers from Cameroon, Kenya and Central Africa will stay back in Karachi to undergo training and sparring with Pakistan team in preparations for next year’s South Asian Games, Commonwealth Boxing and Asian Games, Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) announced here on Saturday.“We have discussed and finalized the programme with visiting team officials in their respective countries and they have agreed to stay back in Pakistan for training,” Secretary PBF Akram Khan told APP here.

He said the national boxing association in these three countries have given their consent to their boxers to stay back after the inaugural Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship being staged at KPT Sports Gymnasium from January 1 to 9.
“This will be a month long training camp supervised by Pakistan’s Cuban coach and by visiting coaches,” he said.

He said all three countries are featuring in any international event for the first time and they got good boxers in their team. “The joint training session in the camp will be beneficial for all the four countries,” he said.
“Africans are rough and tough boxers and sparring with them will very be valuable for Pakistan boxers,” he commented.

Akram Khan said PBF would be providing Cameroon, Kenya and East Africa free boarding and lodging and some pocket allowance during their stay here. He said such training abroad would have cost heavily.
He said 2010 is very important year for Pakistan boxing because of hectic international schedule and sparring with Cameroon, Kenya and Central Africa will prove very fruitful.

PBF Secretary said they are fully geared-up to stage Shaheed Benazir Bhutto showpiece international event in befitting manner.
“This will be major breakthrough for sports as it will open gates for international sports in Pakistan,” beaming PBF Secretary said.

He said they are facing some difficulties in finances and securing their Digital Scoring Machine to be used in the event. However, he said efforts are being made to get the system without custom duty.

He said except for Philippines majority of the countries would be taking part. Philippines have pulled out of the competition because of financial constraints.
Akram Khan said, PBF will be providing free boarding and lodging to all the participants and officials.

He said Federal Government has issued necessary permission to Pakistan High Commission to issue visas to eight-member Indian squad including four boxers.
He said international standard ring has already been installed at KPT Sports Complex. He said a strong 13-member Yemen squad will be arriving here in the wee hours of Tuesday.

24 countries confirm participation in BB boxing event

KARACHI: The preparations for Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament in Karachi were in final stage as 24 countries are expected to participate in the event, organizers said.

“The tournament will be held at Benazir Bhutto Sports Stadium in Karachi from January 2-9,” President Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Doda Khan Bhutto told ARY News.

The federation has invited 29 countries and received 24 confirmations.
Boxing light welterweight world champion Amir Khan will be the chief guest of the tournament, he added

World Champion Boxer Amir Khan to visit Pakistan next month

26/12/2009

KARACHI: The British-born Pakistani boxing sensation Amir Khan, who rose to fame after being crowned WBA world light-welterweight champion on July 18 this year, will be visiting Pakistan with his parents from Jan 7 to 10.

Though the itinerary of his maiden visit to Pakistan is being chalked out, Amir will show his world-title belt to the people particularly, the youth, to inspire them towards the sport. He will also share his success with people of the country.

The proposed visit has been arranged by Pakistan Boxing Federation particularly for the upcoming an international Boxing event named in memory of late former Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament Which will be held from 1st to 9 January at Benazir Sports complex Karachi Pakistan.

Up to 20 countries will taking part in said mega event one of the best and historical event at Pakistani soil.

World Champion British born Pakistani Boxer Amir Khan will be the chief guest. Said in a statement Spokesmen of Pakistan Boxing Federation.

Born in Bolton on Dec 8, 1986, the 5’10” pugilist defeated Andrean Kotelnik at the age of 22 to land WBA world light-welterweight title.

Previously, Amir was in the lightweight division where he held the Commonwealth and WBA international titles. He was also the youngest British Olympic boxing medallist when he won a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics.

Amir, who began boxing competitively at the tender age of 11, turned pro in 2005.