Shaheer Ahmed
Boxing is mostly associated with Lyari or Sindh. Yet, Gilgit Baltistan has the honor of organizing the first international boxing tournament. Usman Wazeer, who is a Pakistani boxing champion, played a key role in bringing the event to Gilgit Baltistan, supported by Force Command Northern Areas. It is exciting to know that the stadium was packed to watch the inaugural session of the WBA Asia Welterweight Championship fights during the inaugural session.
This event featured three fights where boxers from 10 countries took part. It is an honor for the country to host such a grand event. The seven fights are world-ranking fights.
Muhammad Asif Hazara won the South Super Flyweight title of the World Boxing Association by beating Indonesian Boxer Razi Akbar. Usman Wazeer won the World Boxing Association Asia Welterweight title by beating his opponent from Thailand.
Muhammad Asif Hazara, the rising boozing champion from Quetta, won the South Super Flyweight title of the World Boxing Association at the International Professional Boxing Festival. He beat Indonesian Boxer Razi Akbar in the 10th-round competition. He said, “We are here to promote the sport of boxing as there is no dearth of talent among the people of GB in the field of boxing. There is no support from the government to promote this sport in the country. If they pay attention to this sport, more boxers will be able to make our country proud.”
Usman Wazeer won the World Boxing Association Asia Welterweight title by beating his opponent from Thailand. He said, “Boxers from 10 countries have reached Gilgit-Baltistan. There are three title fights while the other seven fights are world-ranking fights. And this is the biggest boxing competition in the history of Pakistan and is happening in Gilgit.” He thanked the administration for supporting him, “I am from Gilgit-Baltistan, so it was my stubbornness to bring this event to Gilgit-Baltistan. I want to thank Commander FCNA, GB scouts, and police for their cooperation with us to make this event successful.”
It is the first time for the Nigerian boxer Abiola Mashood Atobateli to visit GB. He said, “Pakistan is a very beautiful and peaceful country. It is the center of tourism and I would love to come here again. After the fight and tournament, I will explore different places in Gilgit-Baltistan. I love the landscape, I love the mountains, I love the clouds on the top of mountains.”
South Korean boxer Taekyum King said, “People are very welcoming. I will come to Pakistan again to spend my vacation instead of fighting.”
President Dr. Arif Alvi congratulated the winners. He said there is no lack of talent and Pakistani youth can outshine and represent their country.
