Amir enchants Lyari’s boxing buffs

KARACHI: As was expected, Lyariites accorded a rousing welcome to English boxing prodigy of Pakistani descent Amir Khan who visited the country’s boxing hub on the last day of his three-day visit to the port city on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old went to People’s Sports Complex amid thick security provided by Rangers.
The former two-time world champion also saw a couple of bouts, in which 49 kg international Jehanzeb Khan defeated Sheroz Kachi 2-1 and international Imran Shah got the better of Noor Mohammad 3-0.
Amir handed over Rs10,000 each to these boxers on behalf of Sindh Rangers.
Amir said he would provide equipment to Pakistan National Boxing Club, which is owned by Sindh Boxing Association’s (SBA) secretary Asghar Baloch.
Amir, who holds the WBC silver welterweight title, inaugurated Sindh Sports Board (SSB) boxing coaching camp, carrying more than 70 boxers. The camp will last for one month.
Amir played with some under-14 boxers of the camp, which enchanted the spectators.
Amir, who won silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics, was moved by the warm welcome he was extended by the residents of the area. “I heard a lot about Lyari and this is my first visit to the area. I am really impressed,” Amir said.
“The boxing bouts made me happier. Lyari has a lot of talent. It has produced good boxers in the past and in future too it will produce champions like me,” Amir said.
Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister Nadia Gabol, MNA Shah Jehan Baloch, Sindh sports secretary Mohammad Rashid, hockey Olympian Islahuddin and Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) president Doda Khan Bhutto were also present on the occasion.
Amir visited various areas of Lyari, including Chakiwara, Gul Mohammad Lane, Rangi Wara and Gabol Park.
SBA secretary Asghar told ‘The News’ that Amir’s visit and his plan to establish an academy would give a lot of boost to the boxing of the area and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram praised Amir’s plan to establish an academy.”It’s a great idea,” he said. “The way Amir thinks he will provide training facilities to Pakistani boxers will help the game a lot,” said Wasim, a former Pakistan captain.
Former left-handed opener Saeed Anwar also lauded Amir’s initiative during a meeting with the boxer.
Amir’s 27-day tour of Pakistan ended on Wednesday. He will leave for England on Thursday (today).
Amir’s uncle Tahir Mehmood told this correspondent that Amir would come again in December. “He will come again and will launch AK Trust. The location of the land for academy will also be disclosed during that trip,” Tahir said.
He said he and Amir thought Lyari would be the ideal place for the academy. He said Rangers looked after them very well during their tour of Lyari.
Tahir said Amir would meet Sindh sports minister Fayyaz Butt on Thursday morning.
During his trip, Amir signed an MoU with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for establishing an academy in Islamabad. He also plans to open an academy in Peshawar.