Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament schedule will not change : PBF
KARACHI, Dec. 29 (APP): A top official of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF), Doda Khan Bhutto said on Tuesday that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship will go ahead despite suicide bomb blast here in the city on Monday.“Bomb blast is a big tragedy for the whole nation and we are mourning with all,” he told APP in an interview.He said he had contacted the Federal Interior Secretary in Islamabad and did get a security clearance from the Government.
PBF Chief said none of the countries who had reconfirmed their participation have sent any regret viz a viz thei participation in the championship following the suicide attack.
He said considering the current situation, the security in and around the team’s hotels and venue will be further beefed-up.
The 24-nation event is being staged at KPT’s Indoor Gymnasium from January 1 to 9.
He said 15 of the participating countries have also sent their travel itinerary.
Doda Khan said he also met President Asif Ali Zardari in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh during the second death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, who assured him all the financial assistance for holding the prestigious event.
He said, apart from the special grant from the Federal Government, Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qasim Ali Shah has also promised to provide special grant for the championship.
He said an estimated budget ranging in the tune of Rs. 70 to 80 million will be required for the event.
He informed that Federal Sports Ministry has sanctioned Rs.One million for the event, however, the money will be transferred in PBF accounts next month.
In the meantime, PBF Secretary Akram Khan said a 13-member Yemen squad including seven boxers and six officials has already arrived in Karachi.
Technical delegate of the event Nieva Embbuldinya of Sri Lanka also arrived here alongwith her husband on Sunday.
PBF Secretary said a 13-member Iraq contingent with eight boxers will be landing here late Tuesday night while a 7-member Uzbekistan team with four boxers and three officials will be landing here on Wednesday.
He said training arrangements for the pugilists have been in the team’s hotel.
He said despite some difficulties, the arrangements for holding the competition are in full swing.
He said a meeting of PBF officials with Sindh Sports Minister Dr.Muhammad Ali Shah will be held on Wednesday to discuss various issues related to holding of the championship in a befitting and smooth manner.
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