KARACHI, Jan 4 (APP): Pakistan’s boxing great Hussain Shah has called for strong patronization of fist-fighting in the country as it got good prospects for winning medals in Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games and other international competitions.“Pakistan got a lot of talent in boxing and with support from government and private sector they can bring laurels and honor to the country,” he told APP in an interview here on Monday on arrival from Tokyo (Japan) to witness the ongoing Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship.
Hussain Shah, who created history by becoming first Pakistani pugilists to grab the bronze medal in 1988 Olympics in Seoul (Korea), said boxing is the game of down trodden class and they needed support to perform at the national and international levels.
He complimented Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) for staging such a big international event in Pakistan which would help the country in promotion and development of sport.
He thanked PBF for inviting him as guest of honor for the championship. He said by holding such major event the game can be popularized and it created more opportunities for international exposure.
“I am now coaching professional boxers in Tokyo but if needed I will be available to serve Pakistan in any capacity when needed,” beaming Hussain Shah from Lyari said.
He said he owed everything to the country which gave him name and fame. “I owe everything to Almighty and Pakistan for what I achieved,” he added.
45-year-old Hussain Shah, who won the gold medal in 1987 Asian championship in 1987 also created record by winning five gold medals in a row in South Asian Games.
He said he would be holding peep talk with Pakistan boxers taking part in the championship and pass on the finer points of the game to them.
He expressed the hope that if proper steps are taken and concerted efforts are made Pakistan’s glorious past in boxing could be revived.
Hussain Shah, who created history by becoming first Pakistani pugilists to grab the bronze medal in 1988 Olympics in Seoul (Korea), said boxing is the game of down trodden class and they needed support to perform at the national and international levels.
He complimented Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) for staging such a big international event in Pakistan which would help the country in promotion and development of sport.
He thanked PBF for inviting him as guest of honor for the championship. He said by holding such major event the game can be popularized and it created more opportunities for international exposure.
“I am now coaching professional boxers in Tokyo but if needed I will be available to serve Pakistan in any capacity when needed,” beaming Hussain Shah from Lyari said.
He said he owed everything to the country which gave him name and fame. “I owe everything to Almighty and Pakistan for what I achieved,” he added.
45-year-old Hussain Shah, who won the gold medal in 1987 Asian championship in 1987 also created record by winning five gold medals in a row in South Asian Games.
He said he would be holding peep talk with Pakistan boxers taking part in the championship and pass on the finer points of the game to them.
He expressed the hope that if proper steps are taken and concerted efforts are made Pakistan’s glorious past in boxing could be revived.
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