Waseem elated at getting Pride of Performance Award

KARACHI: The World Boxing Council (WBC) two-time flyweight world silver champion Mohammad Waseem said on Friday that getting the prestigious Pride of Performance Award was a great honour for him.

“I am really happy. It’s a great honour not only for me but for the whole boxing community,” Waseem told ‘The News’ from Quetta.

He thanked the federal government and President Mamnoon Hussain for recognising his services.

He received his award from Balochistan governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai at the Governor House in Quetta on Thursday.

“I did not know anything about it. I was asked to rush and receive my award from the Governor,” Waseem said.

About the issue of financial assistance, the former two-time Commonwealth Games medallist said that the matter had not yet been resolved. “Nothing has been done so far. I did try to contact Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington but he did not receive my call,” Waseem said.

The ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) has written to the Foreign Ministry to advise Pakistan’s embassy in Washington for the release of Rs24 million to the boxer as per instructions.

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has transferred the amount to Pakistan’s embassy in Washington.  The latter is to transfer the money to Waseem and his promoter Adny Kim as per instructions of the government.

Waseem has not been able to begin his preparations for his next bout because of lack of funds.

The 29-year-old defended his world silver title on November 27 in Seoul when he defeated Giemel Magramo of the Philippines through a unanimous decision.

Waseem had won the crown for the first time on July 17 in Seoul when he defeated Jether Oliva of the Philippines in the ninth round. The 2014 Incheon Asian Games bronze medallist became the first boxer of the world to achieve the milestone in only his fourth pro bout. Waseem stands second in the world rankings released early this month.