Pakistan’s Awais loses Asian Boxing quarter-final

KARACHI: Pakistan’s hopes for a medal were dashed late Wednesday night when Awais Ali Khan lost his 81 kg quarter-final of the Asian Boxing Championships in Tashkent. Awais went 0-5 down against

Yerik Alzhanov of Kazakhstan in what was an absorbing fight. “I lost but I am happy that I fought till the last moment,” Awais told ‘The News’ from Tashkent.

He said that he would continue working hard. If Yerik qualifies for the final it will help Awais play in the World Championships, to be held in Hamburg, Germany, later this year.

Sanaullah, who lost to Jakhon Qurbano of Tajikistan in the 91kg quarter-final, can still find a place in the Hamburg event.

Pakistan fielded seven boxers in the continental event. Mohibullah, Suleman Baloch, Tanvir Ahmed and Syed Mohammad Asif lost their opening bouts. Awais, Gul Zeb (69kg) and Sanaullah were able to win their opening bouts. Pakistan’s 3-star coach Ali Bakhsh Baloch was not happy with the performance of the national pugilists. “I think our boxers did not play well in Tashkent,” Ali told The News. “I was expecting at least one medal from Awais who is a fine boxer,” he said.

However, he was quick to add that because of lack of international exposure the boys faced trouble in the continental event in which 202 boxers from 29 nations are showing their worth.

Pakistan’s immediate next target is the Islamic Games, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 12-22. Pakistan have already finalised a seven-member squad for the purpose with slight changes.