Amir Khan willing to represent Pakistan at Rio Olympics

E-Paper | October 01, 2026

Amir Khan willing to represent Pakistan at Rio Olympics

Abdul Ghaffar Published June 1, 2016

KARACHI: The International Boxing Association (amateur) or AIBA has allowed professional boxers to represent their county in Olympics, thus making it a possibility that boxer Amir Khan can represent Pakistan at the mega sporting event.

When the star boxer, who is in Karachi ahead of a professional boxing event, was asked about the latest AIBA decision and his chances of representing Pakistan at the Olympics, Amir Khan said, "I will look into it. If possible, this could be amazing.”

“It will mainly depend on the professional contracts I have with my promoters. I will talk about this with my promoters once I get back to England.”

“Imagine if I take part in Olympics to represent my home country Pakistan, it will be something very special for me."

Amir Khan, however, didn’t say about how the Britain’s boxing association will react to this development. Meanwhile, Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Secretary Iqbal Hussain told DawnNews “it will be great if Amir Khan opts to represent Pakistan after AIBA’s latest decision”.

Hussain said “PBF is not in touch with Amir Khan as he is here only to promote and host a professional boxing event. But he is like a hero for Pakistanis and we really respect him”.

Pakistan's only boxer in professional boxing circuit, Muhammad Waseem, is likely to take part in qualification for professional boxers, while seven amateur boxers will leave to Kazakhstan on June 14 to take part in Olympics qualification round, he added.

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Basit Ali

Jun 01, 2016 11:30pm

Does he have Pakistani or British citizenship?

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Blister

Jun 01, 2016 11:33pm

I would highly suggest not to represent anything other than GB. He is a rare symbol of Pakistan-GB success. He will be betraying GB if he does that. He can still do a lot for Pakistan without the Olympic issues.

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RIZ

Jun 01, 2016 11:49pm

Instead of giving these kinda statement just help Pakistani boxers and let them represent their country.

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Zia

Jun 01, 2016 11:54pm

He can do whatever he likes but , in my opinion, Britain has invested a lot in him and he could never have been Amir Khan were he born in Pakistan. It is very nice that he tries to do good for Pakistan but he must pay back to his homeland Britain before any other.

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ENGR OSMAN

Jun 02, 2016 12:09am

Earth shaking indeed if he wins a medal for Pakistan!

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Nasir

Jun 02, 2016 12:23am

Very sad if he decides to represent Pakistan over his home country Britain

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Faraz

Jun 02, 2016 01:40am

I hope he does represent Pakistan. I'm sure it will be an honor for him to fight for the most resilient Nation in the world. We welcome him with open arms and will stand behind him 100%

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Philosopher (from Japan)

Jun 02, 2016 01:53am

No Amir don't do this. We don't respect our one time heroes. As long as you win Pakistanis will be proud on you in case of vice versa they drag you down on earth.

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Rizwan

Jun 02, 2016 02:08am

Mr. Khan plz do not represent Pakistan, you should only represent the UK as it would be sending a wrong signal to other pakistani living in developed countries for a long time and are successful, people will taunt us as ungrateful to thier homeland country.

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Shahryar Shirazi

Jun 02, 2016 03:04am

Don't make this mistake. We love you hear in Pakistan, but you are a British first. You are already doing what's right for the country of your parents. You are promoting boxing, charity and many other things. Just continue to do that.

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Ahmedj

Jun 02, 2016 03:05am

Amir, learn from your younger brother Haroon. He has an amazing personal story how English boxing discarded him and favoured another boxer over him. Haroon was dropped from the English squad. In response, Haroon approached Pakistan Boxing federation and represented Pakistan. Interestingly, Haroon while progressing finally met that same English boxer in the ring and won, proving he was better than him and treated unfairly. However, later the humiliated English management cunningly used the Rule Book and by regulation forbade Haroon in future to take part in boxing from Pakistani side and at the same time remained unwilling to accept him in English team, thus ending his boxing career. Amir has to be wary of the English ways and keep his guard on or he'll be on the floor

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Kulbhushan Yadav

Jun 02, 2016 03:11am

Professional boxers can not participate in Olympic.

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unbelievable

Jun 02, 2016 04:05am

He was born and raised in the UK ... how does that qualify him to represent Pakistan?

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osman

Jun 02, 2016 05:12am

Keep representing britain, its not a wise idea to betray the country that feeds you.

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سے Shaam (Hanafi)

Jun 02, 2016 08:31am

AIBA should not allow professionals to compete in olympics, they are going to be bloodied and one sided at best. At least they should refrain combat sports from participating.

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Nalini

Jun 02, 2016 09:30am

I remember this guy coming out with huge show, only to be Knocked Out in the second or third round.

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Salman

Jun 02, 2016 09:30am

This will be great for Pakistan not only in terms of medals tally but also for the development of the sport in future.

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hasan

Jun 02, 2016 10:08am

But he's british

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Jalbani Baloch

Jun 02, 2016 12:13pm

Looking graceful in Sindhi Topi and Ajrak. Let every Pakistani wear and adopt this Sindhi traditional and cultural attire as a Pakistani culture, while bearing in mind that the whole Pakistani area is part of Indus Civilization and the traces of Ajrak are found in the excavation of Moenjodaro.

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Jun 02, 2016 01:33pm

I am guessing Britain does not want him anymore. He has been losing most of his matches

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Fanwer

Jun 02, 2016 01:37pm

Like Pakistanies like biryani, why not get something from the outside and eat when you cannot make it at home!! Please try to work and produce some good boxers in Pakistan. Do your Job! Amir Khan is too kind!

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All

Jun 02, 2016 01:53pm

British Pakistanis , born , bred in UK, got good life , good education, best of opportunities but their heart never beats for the country which gave them some much in life.

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atif khan

Jun 02, 2016 02:03pm

@Blister well said.

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Raja Farthat Abbas Jhelumi

Jun 02, 2016 02:38pm

@unbelievable Because his parents and grandparents are from Pakistan.

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inam ali uk

Jun 02, 2016 03:04pm

Amir is profession boxer, so is not allowed to take part in the olympics himself, he can however take on a role of coach for Pakistani team there is nothing wrong in that, its a job. Look at Cricket, England have used Pakistani ex players to coach their team likes of Mushi, Saclain Mustaq, and vice vers. But yes i would get clearification from British promotors first before engaging in this.

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edwardian

Jun 02, 2016 03:10pm

@Kulbhushan Yadav "Professional boxers can not participate in Olympic". Mr. Yadav, the first sentence of the article says: The International Boxing Association (amateur) or AIBA has allowed professional boxers to represent their country in Olympics. Please concentrate. It's similar to tennis where professionals can take part in Olympics, just like Sania Mirza who is a professional player and has been participating in Olympics singles and doubles.

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Arslan

Jun 02, 2016 03:34pm

Kevin Peterson was born and bred in SA, and he played for England and now considering playing in SA again. SA doesn't own KP. So what if Amir decided to fight for PK. It's his choice. As long as he does it by getting all paperwork in place with relevant GB authorities.

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edwardian

Jun 02, 2016 04:06pm

@Nalini "I remember this guy coming out with huge show, only to be Knocked Out in the second or third round". Wow for your good memory but it wasn't a second or third round either. Also, have some boxing knowledge. Amir Khan is already a Silver Olympics medalist. The occasion you may be mentioning is his bout with Saul Alvarez. Remember Amir jumped up his own weight category to fight a heavier Alvarez, only twice had been achieved with wins in professional boxing. Such a decision was taken in desperation as Manny Pacquiao who is Amir khans category is avoiding the challenger Amir to fight him. Amir is a big fighter and brave enough to fought Saul Alvarez. Olympics, on the other hand may also give Amir Khan the opportunity to fight Manny Pacquiao who as such is avoiding a fight. Probably, Pacquiao won't get away this time in Rio.

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Zac

Jun 02, 2016 04:12pm

Don't do it - too controversial for 2 reasons - 1) Olympics should be for amateurs (2) don't bring your loyalty to GB into question

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sasgy

Jun 02, 2016 04:17pm

When he is in his downfall and fearing Britain might not allow him to represent, he is looking for a third world country to represent. Nice

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Kashif

Jun 02, 2016 04:22pm

@Nalini this is part of the game. Think positive instead of sitting on your iPhone and writing negative.

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Faisal

Jun 02, 2016 04:45pm

@All Well said.

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Khwarezmi

Jun 02, 2016 06:30pm

I think he should represent Britain as British-Muslims need icons like him but in the end it is his personal decision.

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Jamil

Jun 03, 2016 12:37am

@inam ali uk Professional boxers are now allowed to represent their country in olympics.

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anony

Jun 03, 2016 12:56am

The real King Khan.

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