ISLAMABAD: Britain-born Pakistani boxer Amir Khan on Wednesday expressed resolve to establish a boxing academy in Islamabad in the next few months.

Speaking briefly to media-persons here at the Sports Complex, Amir said that the paper work for the project is being completed and he will soon launch a boxing academy in the capital for the talented young boxers of Pakistan.

The World Boxing Council Silver Welterweight champion, after holding a meeting with Director General PSB Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera here at the Sport Complex, said there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan but youth is facing shortage of infrastructure and facilities.

He said he had been frequently visiting Pakistan in the past but never stayed here more than two or three days and it was for the first time that he had spent several days here. “I will be staying here for nine more days. All this is just for the sake of academy.”

Amir said that Pakistan is a beautiful country and absolutely safe for all kind of sports. “Whenever I come here I feel secure. It is a safe country and I want all other teams and sportsmen to visit here,” he said.

During the meeting with Ganjera, the boxer showed his concern over the lengthy and complicated paper work for establishing the academy in Islamabad.

“We held a detailed meeting today and offered our boxing hall to Amir Khan to establish his academy there and he showed his full interest in the plan,” said the PSB DG.

He added that things will be finalised on the project in the next few days and he will also discuss the issue with IPC secretary Ijaz Chaudhry and Federal IPC Minister Riaz Hussain Prizada and will make efforts to expedite the matter.

“After getting the necessary approval from higher authorities, we will ink an MoU with Amir for the project,” the DG said.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2015

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