ISLAMABAD - WBA silver welterweight champion Amir Khan Wednesday expressed his determination to establish boxing academy in Islamabad by the end of this year.
In interview with The Nation, Pakistan-based British boxer Amir said: "I have come here to talk about Amir Khan Boxing Academy which I want to establish in the capital city by the end of this year.”
“I have a detailed meeting with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera, who has showed his full cooperation in achieving my aim of establishing a boxing academy in Islamabad at the PSB premises. We have almost reach conclusion and now paperwork is required to be done in next few days, as without paperwork, I can't start academy overnight,” he added. Amir said: “People all around the world pay me to fight in their country. I am paid to fight in UK, USA and other countries, but I spent huge amount of money to travel to Pakistan because I want to do something for youth of the country. I came to Pakistan for 3 or 4 days in the past, but this time, I am staying here for around 10 days in hope to finalize things and start international boxing academy in Islamabad.”
“It is my firm belief that Pakistani sportsmen especially boxers have potential but poor background and infrastructure barred them to excel at international level. The government must step forward and help these kids. I will impart them training free of cost, but without government support, they can't travel for international events,” he added.
“I must appreciate PSB DG Dr Akhtar Ganjera, who promise to complete paperwork within next 3 or 4 days, so that we may sit again and sign a suitable agreement,” he said. Amir said: “I am disappointed the way government is not taking interest despite I offered Pakistani boxers to come and train in UK and use my academy facilities, which had produced world, European and Asian champions. There is not a single boxing academy in Pakistan where the boys may train professionally and participate in international events.
“I am disappoint to know Pakistan's Commonwealth silver medallist M Waseem is not going to world championship. When I talked to Waseem in this regard, he termed lack of facilities and financial constraints behind his non-participation in the mega event. If champion boxer like Waseem would not be supported for international events, how could Pakistan win medals? Waseem is a fine boxer and there is a dire need to take care of him as he can win medals for country,” he added.
When this scribe asked Amir whether he would prepare only males in his academy or females could also get training, Amir replied: “I am open for both genders, as if India could produce great female boxers, then why not Pakistan. Our academy will provide training to males as well as females and they are more than welcome.”
To a query regarding next fight as Mayweather declined to fight with him, he replied: “It is quite disappointing, as I was aiming a go at him, anyhow, I am training hard and want to fight in November or December this year or may be February next year and it can be in Qatar, UAE, UK or USA.
About his proposed meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Amir said: “I am here in Pakistan for next few more days and I hope meeting can take place.” Lauding Punjab CM, he said: “I am thankful to Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif for providing space for our boxing academy in Lahore. I hope others will also come forward and help me in establishing academies in other parts of the country,” he added.
To another query, he said: “I will sign an MoU with private partners Al-Ghurair Giga to open a boxing academy but it will be commercial activity. We will open gym where people of all ages can take benefit.
“My Amir Khan Foundation (AKF) will soon start charity work in Pakistan, and we will finalize cities soon, where it needed the most.” Amir said that Pakistan was beautiful country and it was safe for all kind of sports. "Pakistan is a beautiful country. Whenever I come here I feel secure because it is a safe country. I want all other people sportspersons to also come and enjoy here," he concluded.
Sharing his views PSB DG Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera promised to provide land and facilities to Amir Khan and complete paper work in next two days. “Government is willing to start boxing academy under Amir Khan while an international standard gym will also be provided to him. We will provide top class equipment and coaches to the academy.”