KARACHI, Nov 27: After the failure of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) in building an international standard boxing facility, Karachi South Boxing Association (KSBA) on Saturday urged the authorities to refurbish the boxing stadium and gymnasium at People's Sports Complex.

A KSBA official appealed that facilities at the complex which were in a shambles for years should be renovated by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) instead of investing millions of rupees in new projects like the one in Islamabad.

"We have an international standard indoor gymnasium while the boxing stadium equipped with floodlights, dressing rooms and space for officials. But both facilities are decaying for the past several years because of neglect.

"We appeal to the PSB to renovate the gymnasium and the outdoor stadium where national training camps could be held while the indoor gymnasium is ideal for organizing international events," KSBA secretary Asghar Baloch said.

The official opined the gymnasium could be equipped with central air-conditioning and an international standard boxing ring could also be installed for the competitions, making it a permanent venue for holding championships.

"PBF always runs from pillar to post to find a venue to organize an international event. But the problem could be solved once and for all if the gymnasium is renovated. It could be an idea place for holding international events," he opined.

Asghar said since Karachi-based PBF had been forced to hold national training camps in Islamabad, the boxing stadium should be renovated to set up training camps in future.

"PBF is also facing problem in finding a suitable place for holding training camps as PSB has refused to allow federation to hold camps at National Sports Training and Coaching Centre which is being renovated.

"As PBF has been unable to seek a place for training camps, we are ready to extend help in training the boxers by providing facilities at Pak National Club housed in the same complex.

"We have more than five punching bags, a ring for sparring, weight training equipment and changing rooms, the best any club is providing in the city. Even the PBF does not provide equipment in that amount to its trainees," he claimed.

According to deputy district officer, Shams Noor, the wooden-floored indoor gymnasium has about 1200-1300 seating capacity.

"Outdoor stadium has approximately 3,500 seating capacity and the floodlights could be activated anytime as and when required," Shams said.

Asghar also rued that complex had been in occupation of Rangers since 1995.

"We have been appealing for quite a long time that Rangers should vacate the complex but in vain. We urge the higher authorities to ask law enforcement agency to vacate so that sports activities could be started with full force without any hindrance," he said.