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ISLAMABAD: Pugilists from different countries are enjoying the joint training camp set up by the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) at the Pakistan Sports Complex for the preparation of the second Benazir Bhutto Boxing Championship starting from December 20-30.
Talking to APP on Thursday, boxers and officials from Kenya, Nepal and Sri Lanka expressed delight at being a part of the joint training camp as some of them have visited Pakistan for the first time.
“Being in Pakistan is a great honour for me. I am confident of our chances in the event and we are working hard to get gold medals,” Kenyan coach Patrick Maiwa, who has been here with ten boxers and four officials said.
Maiwa said that he and his team were enjoying every bit of their stay in Pakistan but said the weather was a bit cold.
“Pakistani people are very friendly and loving. I am feeling like I am at home,” he said.
Nepal’s manager, Kiran Sarista, said that he is completely satisfied with the arrangements.
“Our seven boxers are participating in the championship and have come to Islamabad for the first time. My family was concerned about me when I was coming to Pakistan but after coming here I felt much secured,” he said. Sarista also said that his team is aiming for two to three gold medals.
Abdul Aziz, captain of the Kenyan team said that the training camp was proving to be a learing experience for him.
“The joint training camp has proved really fruitful for me as I have learned a lot.”
He added that the whole team was enjoying Pakistani food as well.
Pakistan’s star boxer Mohammad Wasim agreed with Aziz and said he was focusing on the event in order to do well.
“In the camp we come to know strengths and weaknesses of other boxers and I am focusing hard to end up at a decent place in the event,” he said.
