Pakistan boxing gets dealt a punch as coach leaves training camp

KARACHI: Just ahead of the Asian qualifying round for Olympics in China next week, Pakistan’s boxing received a heavy jolt when its head coach Ali Bakhsh left the training camp after a top official of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) allegedly interfered in his affairs, ‘The News’ reliably learnt on Tuesday.

Since start of the national camp here at the PSB Coaching Centre, national pugilists have been regularly undergoing running on road every day as a routine exercise.

Sources said that the other day, the PBF secretary Iqbal Hussain contacted Ali on phone from Islamabad, telling him that the road running would inflict a heavy damage on the boxers. According to sources, Iqbal told Ali that all coaches stop the same exercise one month before fielding the boxers in any international event. Ali, an AIBA three-star coach, in a reply told Iqbal that if this was the case then he himself should take charge of the camp.

Ali has not come to the camp for the last couple of days. When this correspondent asked some sources in the camp they denied to reveal the actual position, saying, Ali was ill. But their body language clearly indicated that there was something wrong.

Ali could not be reached on phone. Iqbal, however, said he did not know, adding he had heard Ali was sick.

“Ali will be part of Pakistan’s squad,” Iqbal said.

However, sources said that Ali was not likely to proceed with the team to China.

The continental qualifiers will be held in the Chinese city of Qian’an from March 23 to April 3.

Ali, the former international, has been associated with the camp for the last few years. He was also coach of Pakistan’s squad which recently lifted four silver medals in the South Asian Games in India.

If Ali puts himself out of the touring party, the PBF will have to hire the services of a foreign AIBA three-star coach for the qualifiers. As per AIBA rules the presence of a three-star coach with the team is a must during international events.

This is not the only negative development in Pakistan’s boxing which has been immensely damaged by several controversies during the last few years. There are also serious differences between the PBF secretary Iqbal and president Doda Khan Bhutto.

According to sources, Doda has completely disassociated himself from running the federation. He has not even visited the national camp once, being in operation here for the most vital assignment in China.

Meanwhile the PBF on Tuesday also unveiled a ten-member squad for the qualifiers after final trials.

The heavyweight boxer Mehmood-ul-Hasan could not make it to the squad as he did not impress the selectors with his form. The experienced Sanaullah replaced him. The selectors also made only one change to the seven-man squad that recently featured in the South Asian Games. Amir Khan replaced Arshad Hussain for the 69kg slot. Gul Zeb, who had lost to Bhutan in the South Asian Games in India, was lucky to be part of the squad in the 64kg after the US-based Umar Cheema fell ill and flew back a few days ago. The PBF did not have any option for the spot, giving Gul another chance. However, it has been learnt that Gul has gained weight and he could only accompany the touring party provided he loses his weight in the next few days.

The list also contains the name of Ali Bakhsh despite developing differences with Iqbal.

Three boxers in each weight will qualify for Rio Olympics.

Squad: Mohibullah (49kg), Syed Mohammad Asif (52kg), Niamatullah (56kg), Ali Ahmed (60kg), Gul Zeb (64kg), Amir Khan (69kg), Tanveer Ahmed (75kg), Awais Ali Khan (81kg), Sanaullah (91kg), Mir Waiz (91kg+), Officials: Ali Bakhsh (head coach), Zahid Ali Baloch, Mohammad Tariq Gujjar (coaches).