May 20, 2006	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 21, 1427

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KARACHI, May 19: Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) is to incur Rs four to five million on hosting an international contest in the city from July 8 to 14.

‘International exposure is essential for pugilists and hosting a mega event at home can serve the purpose’, Pakistani president of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA), Prof. Anwar Chowdhry, told newsmen at the launch of the competition at KPT Sports Complex on Friday.

Unfolding details, Chowdhry said he was confident that 30 to 35 countries would show up though the competition coincides with European and African championships.

He said boxing was poor man sports globally and needed to be encouraged by governments and sponsors.

“We have the talent, ability to organise events but lacked the resources,” he said.

Showering praise on Indian pugilists he said they were making rapid progress internationally which was evident from their performance at the Commonwealth Games in the recent past.

When questioned that PBF never mentioned as to how much money it generated last year, the secretary, Shakil Durrani, admitted that a sizeable amount was saved after hosting inaugural Asian junior championship at home in 2005.

The money, he said, was spent on sending teams abroad.

He disclosed the PSB has now enhanced the PBF annual grant to Rs two million.

Yet to another question, he refrained to disclose the amount of sponsorship for the coming event.

He said being hosts, Pakistan would field two teams in the competition which is being held in 11 weight categories.