Boxing coach upbeat despite poor reparation

KARACHI: Although there are no big names in Pakistan’s boxing squad which will be featuring in the Asian Championship in Bangkok, coach Ali Bakhsh is confident that his charges would put in their best in the event which begins next week.
“Our boxers haven’t got any international bouts since the Asian Games and we trained them here with the available facilities but I hope they will put in their best in Bangkok,” Ali told ‘The News’ in an interview.
Pakistan will field eight boxers in the continental event, which is to be held from August 25 to September 5. They are Mohib Bacha (49kg, WAPDA), Nadir Baloch (56kg, Rangers), Qadir Khan (60kg, Navy), Gul Zeb (64kg, Army), Tanveer (69kg, Navy), Wasim Arshad (75kg, Army), Awais Ali (81kg, Army) and Sameer Hasan (91kg, PAF).
The country’s experienced boxer Mohammad Waseem has skipped the event because of an injury.
Ali Ahmed, Amir Khan and Sanaullah were not released by WAPDA due to unknown reasons.
A few days ago a top official of WAPDA told this correspondent that he was sending these boxers to Karachi for training but they did not come.
Only Mohib Bacha and Nadir Baloch in the Bangkok-bound squad were part of the last year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Incheon Asian Games.
Wasim Arshad and Sameer will make their international debut in the competitions which will also serve as qualifiers for the World Championship to be held in Doha in October.
Because of the importance of the event as qualifiers for the world affair top boxers from the continent will be seen in action.
“It will be a very tough event; our boxers will have to play with focus,” said Ali, a former international.
He agreed that there would be pressure on the players in the absence of Waseem. “Waseem’s absence will definitely put some pressure on the boxers. He was our most vital player; his presence would have been an inspiration for the youngsters. But I think the youngsters should now learn to play in his absence; they will now have to rise to the status which Waseem is enjoying,” Ali said.
The coach said Mohib, Nadir and Qadir were experienced and had the guts to face pressure. “Hasan also has powerful punches and may turn out to be a surprise package for Pakistan,” the coach said.
Pakistan’s participation in the continental event was in doubt until on Tuesday Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) decided to back the touring party. “We are thankful to the PSB Director General Akhtar Ganjera for supporting our team. I hope the Board will keep supporting the boxers. Boxing is the only sport left in which Pakistan can win medals,” the coach said.
Ali Bakhsh will be accompanied on the tour by his assistant Liaquat Ali.
Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) secretary Iqbal Hussain will proceed with the squad as manager.
The squad will leave for Thailand on August 24. On 25th, the managers meeting will be held and bouts will begin on 26th.
Five boxers each in heavyweights and seven boxers each in the remaining weights will qualify for the World Championship from Asia.