RAWALPINDI: British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan has been conferred the honorary rank of captain by the Pakistan Army following his meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir.
Amir Khan called on General Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, along with martial art champion Shahzaib Rind, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said.
The army chief appreciated the athletes for their phenomenal achievements in the field of sports and expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s youth for their outstanding potential, the military’s media wing said.
Amir Khan won several global boxing titles while Shahzaib Rind also made his mark by knocking out Indian fighter Rana Singh in 20 seconds in the ‘Karate Combat’ in Dubai last month.
Amir Khan shared a video sporting the Pakistan Army’s uniform, as well as his photos on his Instagram with a caption: “Big thanks to General Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Army for honoring me with the rank of Captain”.
In one of his photos, the former boxer was chanting slogan, Pakistan Zindabad, in a traditional style of military officers. He also shared another photo in the set, showing him receiving a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of soldiers at the GHQ.
In his comments, he said an honorary rank has been given to him by his country, Pakistan. “I have a lot of love for the people of Pakistan and the country as a whole. So, I want to share this experience but I do not have any involvement in the politics sort of things,” he said.
Amir Khan said he also met with General Asim Munir saying that he was thankful to Army Chief for honouring him. He said that he always supported the armed forces of Pakistan because they are pride of the nation. “Wearing uniform of Pakistan Army, I am feeling the same pleasure which I felt after winning the world title,” he said adding whenever, he comes to Pakistan, feels pleasure because of army.
He said that he would continue to play his role in promoting sports in the country, saying that Pakistani youth should participate in sports more.
He said that he would open more boxing academies in the country and InshaAllah, Pakistani boxers will win medals in Olympics and Commonwealth Games.