ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ace pugilist and Asian champion Usman Wazir on Thursday said he would be establishing a boxing academy here at Pakistan Sweet Home so that aspiring children could be trained and win laurels for the country in future.

“I will establish a boxing academy at Pakistan Sweet Home in one month where the coach will train the children three days a week,” the 21-year-old Usman said while visiting Pakistan Sweet Home, a major orphanage in Islamabad.

He was of the view that children would learn the skills and techniques at the academy and would go on to become international famed boxers.

“We talk about many sports superstars including me and former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, but I believe the real hero and champion is Zamarud Khan, the former Member National Assembly and the patron-in-chief of Pakistan Sweet Home, who is working for such a great cause,” Usman said and lauded him for his efforts for the children of Pakistan Sweet Home.

The Astore-born boxer also sought nation’s prayers for his next international fight saying he would donate some amount to Pakistan Sweet Home from every international fight’s prize money.

“We may be heroes but I want the children to be like Zamarud Khan. I am very much motivated by coming here [Pakistan Sweet Homes].”

Wazir also welcomed his services to Zamarud for any kind of support for the Pakistan Sweet Home in Gilgit-Baltistan.

‘Education is very important for children but sports are equally significant. So I want children to involve themselves in sports activities as well. As far as boxing is concerned I’m always there to help,” he said.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Zamarud said his success was due to the prayers of the parents and Usman’s success was a result of the prayers of his parents. “This is just a start; you [Usman] have to go a long way and make Pakistan proud.”

Terming the children of the Pakistan Sweet Home as his sons and daughters, Zamarud said his 17 daughters were selected to the Cadet College at Larkana.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2022