September 11, 2008	Thursday	Ramazan 10, 1429

LAHORE, Sept 10: Chairman Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Prof Anwar Chowdhry decided to end his 33-year association with the game on Wednesday when he announced that he will not be contesting the federation polls next month.

He made this announcement in Karachi after a meeting with Director General, Pakistan Sports Board, Syed Aamir Hamza.

A spokesman of the PSB told newsmen that Prof Chowdhry has decided not to contest next month’s elections and his announcement comes in the backdrop of his defeat as chief of International Amateur Boxing Federation (AIBA) after being in power for 17 years.

Prof Chowdhry confined his activities to national federation only after his entire group was defeated in the AIBA elections early last year.

The spokesman said Prof Chowdhry had cited health problems for his retirement. “My services are available for the cause of boxing and I will always be there for any guidance,” said the senior official.

Director General PSB hailed the meritorious services rendered by Prof Chowdhry for the cause of the game at the international level as well as in Pakistan. “He did a great job for boxing and his services will always be remembered in boxing history,” he observed.

Sources said the boxing supremo had decided to call it quits after the sports ministry declared its intentions of imposing a strict policy of restricting the officials from contesting for a third term for any of the top posts in a federation.—APP