Eight-nation joint boxing camp gets underway

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to play host to around 100 foreign pugilists as a joint boxing camp gets underway at the Pakistan Sports Complex in the capital on Wednesday.

While several countries were extended an invitation to attend the camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games, seven (Central Africa, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanada,Uganda, Kenya) confirmed their participation to the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF).

“Pugilists from eight countries including Pakistan will participate in the month-long joint training session,” PBF General Secretary Mohammad Akram Khan said.

A six-member team, including five boxers and one official, from Sri Lanka arrived on Tuesday.

“The Sri Lankan boxers arrived today (Tuesday), while Mauritian pugilists will arrive on Friday and the rest are expected to arrive next month,” he said.

Akram said this will be a good opportunity for Pakistani boxers to prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Games as the joint training camp would help them put up a good show.

A total of 22 Pakistani boxers have been named to train at PSC during the camp but only 17 will be present for the first four days. Five Pakistani boxers are currently competing at the Combat Games in China and will join the camp upon their return.

Meanwhile, PBF President Doda Khan Bhutto welcomed the arrival of foreign boxers for the second time in the year, after their participation in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament earlier this year.

“Hosting a joint eight-nation training camp is a big achievement on part of the PBF and we are thankful to Pakistan Sports Board for extending cooperation and financial assistance for this camp, which will serve the overall cause of boxing in Pakistan,” he said.

Doda expressed hope that a successful international training camp will boost the country’s image as a safe destination for sportspersons.

“We will provide top security to all the foreign teams and the best arrangements are in place for training,” Doda added. —APP

Pakistan probables: Mir Waiz Khan (91+kg), Nisar Khan (75kg), Adnan Hussain (60kg), Qadir Khan (56kg), Haroon Shahid (52kg), Mohammad Waseem (49kg).

Reserves: Naimatullah (56kg), Arshad Hussain (60kg). Manager: Iqbal Hussain.

Sri Lankan team

Boxers: Tennakoon Mudiyanselage, Wanniarachchi, Jayathilakage, RT. Jayathi Lake, Suranga Mudannayake

Coach: Julio Sanlana