ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday welcomed the offer made by Pakistan-origin British Boxer Amir Khan for playing his role in the promotion of boxing in the country.

Amir Khan called on the Prime Minister here at the PM Office and congratulated him on assuming the office. Amir’s wife, father and others were also present during the meeting. The Prime Minister has said that since Pakistani youth has extreme talent in sports, it is the foremost responsibility of the government to highlight this talent and help the country’s youth in positive utilization of their energies.

Talking to The Nation soon after the meeting, Amir said: “I am delighted to meet PM Imran Khan. It was wonderful and fruitful meeting and we discussed not only boxing but other sports as well and how can I help Pakistan produce a number of top class boxers through my academies established in Pakistan.”

He said he also met with Naeem Ul Haq and had a very constructive conversation with him. “I will meet Naeem Ul Haq again, who is very helpful and spoke about the ways of improving the standard of Pakistan sports. We also had a good conversation about our mutual hero legendry boxer Muhammad Ali and Imran told me that Muhammad Ali is also his hero.” The boxer said that he is highly impressed with Imran Khan, who himself is sportsman. “Imran Khan is a right man to lead Pakistan forward. He can make Pakistan more peaceful and sports-loving. Being a sportsman, Imran enjoys huge respect in entire world and he is eager to do something for the youth of Pakistan. I am proud to be a part of the revolution in sports.

“I will have a series of meetings with Naeem Ul Haq and then will also meet Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Minister Dr Fehmida Mirza and discuss issues related to uplift of sports in general and boxing in particular. Dr Fehmida has visited my boxing Academy in Islamabad located inside Pakistan Sports Complex and she was impressed with the facilities being provided to more than 100 street children, who are learning the art of the boxing under the world’s best coaches.”

When asked whether his academies were also discussed and was there a chance to get financial and any other support from government, Amir said: “Yes, Imran Khan highly lauded my academies role and he is willing to extend all the possible assistance we required. As far as the finances are concerned, I am sure after checking the work, we are putting in, the PM and IPC Minister will definitely lend a helping hand. For the meantime, I don’t want any financial help but I just want to help Pakistan sports.”

Amir said the first-ever Pakistan Boxing Super League (PBSL) will be held next year and he is working closely to ensure it would be a mega hit and Pakistani boxers get what they deserve. “By opening more academies, we are surely going to get more raw talent and turn them into the champions.

“I am confident that Imran and his government is going to deliver good for the youth and the standard of Pakistan sports is bound to rise. We have good plans and we will be having meetings again soon. Hopefully in the coming months, I along with the IPC Minister and the PM’s help, I will be able to fulfill my dream of providing a number of world class boxers to Pakistan, who will fight at international stage and win laurels for the country,” Amir concluded.