World class boxing ring to be built in Punjab with the cost of Rs50m: Pakistan needs to have several boxing rings, says Amir

LAHORE: International fame British boxing champion Amir Khan said Pakistan has to build boxing rings everywhere in the country for the true promotion of the game.

“Sports Board Punjab is committed to raise quality boxing rings across the province. I’m quite hope full that Pakistan will earn respect in boxing like cricket,” he expressed these views while addressing the colourful closing ceremony of grand Punjab Open Inter-Division Boxing Championship at Alhamra Cultural Complex on Tuesday night.

Punjab Minister for Sports Jahangir Khanzada said it’s great occasion for us to have a boxing stalwart like Amir Khan at closing ceremony of Punjab Open Inter-Division Boxing Championship.

Secretary Sports Punjab Aamir Jan on this occasion said the presence of Amir Khan with local boxers will be a great boost for our young boxers. “This championship is the beginning. We will conduct more such grand boxing events in future. Sports Board Punjab will build a world class boxing ring with the cost of Rs 50 million in near future”.

Colourful cultural show, melodious regional and sufi songs and an impressive firework show was presented during the largely-attended prize distribution ceremony. Amir Khan also awarded prizes among the gold medal winning boxers. Olympic medallist British boxing star Amir Khan along with his wife Faryal also witnessed the exciting fights of boys and girls on this occasion.

Sports Board Punjab conducted three fights in the presence of Amir Khan on Tuesday night. Lahore’s Usman Tajwar clinched gold medal in 75kg bout of Youth Class. Sargodha’s Adnan got silver while bronze medals went to Abdur Rehman and Shahmir Khan in this category.

Hamza Qadeer of Lahore grabbed gold in 75kg fight of Elite Class. Kaleem Ulaah of Gujranwala won silver while Farhan Khan and Hasan took bronze medal in this contest. In the women bout, Khaula Athar merged winner against Sahiwal’s Arooj. Dua and Tania Ismaeel managed to win bronze medal.

Pakistan Boxing Federation President Khalid Mehmood, Punjab Olympic Association Secretary Idris Haider Khawaja, Director Sports Anees Sheikh, Director Admin Javed Chohan and a great number of boxing enthusiasts were also present in the ceremony.

Amir Khan, on this occasion, thanked Sports Board Punjab for inviting him in the closing ceremony of Punjab Open Boxing Championship. He said that he wants to do something notable for Pakistan boxing. “Pakistan has the ability to produce boxing champions but they will have to build more boxing rings in all cities”.

Amir said he has great desire to play boxing in Pakistan. “Despite being a Briton, I have special attachment, love and respect for Pakistan and it is my utmost desire to see Olympic and World Champion boxers from Pakistan,” he added.

While delivering welcome speech, Minister for Sports Jahangir Khanzada said that it’s great occasion in Punjab’s boxing history to have a world boxing star Amir Khan with us. “We feel immense pleasure to say warm welcome to our distinguished guest in the closing ceremony of Punjab Open Inter-Division Boxing Championship”.

He said Amir’s presence in the closing ceremony is definitely a big source of inspiration for our young boxers. “Our young pugilists will learn a lot from world’s top boxer during his stay in Pakistan”.

The Minister said that Punjab govt has established a network of modern sports facilities across the province and fulfilled the vision of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. And now the talented youth of the remote areas are utlising sports facilities near their home towns. “Punjab govt will establish modern boxing rings at nine divisional headquarters to hone boxing talent. Sports Board Punjab has provided best platform to potential boxers of Punjab to show their talent,” he added.

“It’s first time in country’s history that dozens of boxers from remote areas featured in a grand boxing championship. Sports Board Punjab has also prepared a complete calendar of sports activities. It has been decided to hold 24 games including boxing at district level. These games include 14 men’s categories and 10 women to find out fresh talent in the province”.

Later, Amir Khan presented souvenirs to Jahangir Khanzada, Secretary Sports Punjab Aamir Jan, Director Sports Anees Sheikh, Director Admin Javed Chauhan and then Minister for Sports Jahangir Khanzada, Secretary Sports Punjab Aamir Jan also presented a glittering souvenir to boxing star Amir Khan.