KARACHI, June 3: A group of five boxers continue to train under the watchful eyes of Cuban coach although officials say preparations for the Commonwealth Games have been hit hard after Army’s refusal to send its pugilists abroad.

The camp set up here at National Sports Training and Coaching Centre (NSTCC) in January is to run until Asian Games to be hosted by South Korean city of Pusan from Sept 30 to Oct 15.

But before the Asiad, a seven to nine member team is scheduled to participate in June 18 to 26 Asian Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

However, the contest in the Malaysian capital will be the warm-up for the all-important Commonwealth Games in Manchester starting from July 25.

The five boxers currently training are, flyweight Karrar Hussain, featherweight Haider Ali, light-welterweight Asghar Ali Shah, middleweight Ahmad Ali Khan and heavyweight Shaukat Ali.

Initially 20 boxers were named for the camp. But most of them who had been recalled by their respective departments are yet to return, including five Wapda pugilists who will be sponsored by their organization for Kuala Lumpur event. Karrar has been invited as a reserve.

The Pakistan Amateur Boxing Federation (PABF) had picked five boxers — light-flyweight Noman Karim (Army), Haider (Wapda), Ahmad (Army), Asghar (KPT), and Shaukat, for the Manchester Games.

Later, on sports ministry’s directives to cut down the number of boxers to three, the federation chose, Asghar, Ahmad, and Shaukat for the Games.

Since there is little or no likelihood that Ahmad and Shaukat will be allowed to travel by Army, Asghar seems to be the only boxer to represent the country in Manchester.

The PABF may add Haider to make it a two-member team if Army sticks to its stand.

In the present scenario, the Cuban coach, Reinaldo Alvarez Ulicia, does not seem optimistic about Pakistan’s medal chances at the Commonwealth Games.

“Pakistan boxers are brave and do have talent. But there are brighter medal prospects at the Asian Games rather than Commonwealth Games as I have more time for the Asiad,” the 49-year-old coach said through an interpreter.

Ulicia, who had coached the national Cuban team from 1995 to 98, said non-cooperation from departments was one of the factors which hampered build-up to various international events.

“Lack of medical facilities at the camp also create problems, while departments hesitate to release their boxers for the camp. The diet is satisfactory, but facilities are scarce,” he said.

The Cuban who joined Pakistan squad last year in May, pointed out Asghar, Ahmad and Noman, could become world-class boxers if polished and given international exposure.

Asghar, who has switched from lightweight to light- welterweight recently and was the sole Pakistani to win a medal at 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games, said he would go for gold this time.

“There is a lot of difference now. I have gained more experience and confidence in the last four years. I wish and hope I will scoop up a gold medal. But a lot depends on the draw and luck,” Asghar, who clinched a silver medal at 1998 Games, said.

The PABF is, however, critical of non-availability of medical and training facilities from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for the training camp.

The boxers have to be taken to a Karachi Port Trust (KPT) doctor after sustaining an injury or being indisposed. Asghar is the latest example who hurt himself during sparring few days ago.

Shaukat was also treated by the KPT doctor for his boil on the calf. The boxer is participating in indoor training but the injury has forced him to refrain from running.

“Neither is there a doctor nor the PSB provided enough training equipment. We always have to take the boxers to a KPT doctor for treatment whenever any of them receive injury.

“Asghar’s tooth was affected but did not break during a session. He has started training again. As for the equipment, all the PSB gave us were 10 pairs of gloves and a punching bag,” PABF secretary, Ali Akbar Shah, said Monday.

Shaukat also complained about the lack of medical facilities at the camp. “The PSB never provides a doctor at the training camp even at the PSB headquarters, Islamabad,” Shaukat said while showing his bleeding calf.