PBF ExCo to discuss Zohaib saga later this month

LAHORE: Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) plans to convene its Executive Committee meeting later this month to discuss the disappearance of the country’s premier boxer Zohaib Rasheed and devise a plan to stop such happenings which have badly damaged the country’s image in general and boxing in particular.

Zohaib, who was the sole Olympics hope, a few days ago went missing in Italy just before the formal launch of the Paris Olympics World Qualification Tournament 1 in Busto Arsizio Arena, located in the outskirts of Milan. “It’s no doubt a big issue and we will discuss in detail how to stop such things,” a PBF official told ‘The News’ on Wednesday.

In 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, two top boxers, Nazirullah and Suleman Baloch, vanished after featuring in the quadrennial event. Zohaib also had to his credit bronze medals in the Asian Championship and Asian Under-22 Championship.

“We spent millions on him and he ditched the country at a stage when he was expected to qualify for the Paris Olympics. It’s absolutely unacceptable,” the official said. Not only did Zohaib ditch the country but he also stole some money from his fellow female boxer before fleeing which left her hugely disappointed.

The ExCo will also discuss whether Pakistan should field its boxers in the next World Qualification tournament for the Olympics or not. Bangkok will host the next qualifier from May 23 to June 3.

“We will decide whether we should send our boxers to the next event. You know Zohaib was our main hope. If we decide to avail ourselves of the opportunity we will send one or two boxers who have the potential and who can impress. In that case we will hold the camp after Ramadan,” the official said.

Asked who could replace Zohaib, the official said that Mohammad Faheem can do. “Faheem from Army is a good fighter in the light flyweight and he can be used in place of Zohaib in future,” the official said. Faheem defeated Zohaib in the National Championship in Karachi.

Head coach Arshad Hussain, who was accompanying Pakistan’s squad in Italy, will also be invited to the meeting. “Arshad will also be invited and he will give his report about Zohaib’s matter,” the official said.