KARACHI, Jan 1 Around 3,000 policemen and rangers will provide foolproof security for the boxers and officials visiting Pakistan from more than 14 countries to feature in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament (SBBIBT) commencing at the KPT Sports Complex here from Saturday.

“We have been fully supported by the government for the successful holding of this event. There will be 3,000 security personnel providing foolproof security to the visitors,” Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan Bhutto told reporters here at a press briefing on Friday.

“For the purpose, we have also asked for 50 elite commandos from the government, a request that may also be granted, hopefully. Besides, all this security will also be provided from the hotel to the venue of the event. There will also be a bomb disposal squad present during the tournament,” he added.

The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani while the closing ceremony will be graced by President Asif Zardari as chief guest.

“At the moment, teams from 14 countries have reached Karachi and we are expecting three more before the start of the event,” he added.

Meanwhile, Federal Sports Minister Aijaz Hussain Jakharani, after having visited the venue for the event himself, said that he was perfectly satisfied with the preparations and security arrangements being made for it.

“Holding such a huge international event in current conditions will also provide a boost to other international sporting activities in Pakistan,” Jakhrani said.

SBBIBT, with a prize purse of $60,000, is the first ever boxing tournament in Pakistan offering prize money to pugilists.

The gold medallists will pocket a cash prize of $250 while the silver medallists will bag $150 and the bronze medallists $100 in all the 11 different weight categories.

The best boxer of the event, meanwhile, will pocket a lucrative prize of $2,500 while the top team would receive $2,500. The second-placed team will bag $1,500 while the third-placed team will get $1,000.—PPI