England’s top boxer and former two-time world champion Amir Khan renewed his pledge to build an academy for the youngsters of Lyari at the conclusion of All Pakistan Amir Khan Boxing tournament at the People’s Sports Complex here on Monday.
Amir, who was escorted into the Ustad Abdullah Baloch boxing gymnasium in thick security, said he could build an academy in every city of the country if the government provided land.
Amir, who was warmly welcomed by the large crowd, said Lyari had a lot of talent and that he planned to open an academy in the area to nurture that talent.
Army were crowned champions with three gold and two silver medals. They were followed by Navy with two gold and two silver medals. Balochistan claimed third position with one gold and two silver medals.
In the 49kg final, Jehanzeb of Sindh Greens got the better of Daud Khan of Navy 3-0 to clinch the only gold medal for the province.
Mohammad Asif of Balochistan, who had also won gold in the National Championship, whacked Asif Raza of Navy 2-1 in the 52kg final.
Nadir Baloch of Sindh Rangers won the 56kg gold by beating Shoaib Khan of Gilgit-Baltistan 3-0.
Amir Khan of Navy defeated Kamran Khan of Army in the 60kg decider 2-1 after a thrilling fight. Suleman Baloch of Army outgunned international Adnan Hassan of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 2-1 in the 64kg final. Amir Khan also witnessed this bout.
In the 69kg final, Amir Khan of WAPDA overpowered Abdul Rauf of Army 3-0.
The 75kg gold went to international Tanveer Ahmed of Navy who beat Faisal Khan of Balochistan 3-0.
International Awais Ali Khan of Army won the light heavyweight category gold medal by beating Asmatullah of Balochistan through technical knock-out in the first round.
Mirza Azam of PAF defeated Azhar of Gilgit-Baltistan 2-1 to win the 91kg category gold medal.
The 91kg+ gold went to Mohammad Shehbaz of Army who outsmarted Yasir Jamil of Sindh Whites 3-0.
The organisers had installed a large screen at the football ground of the People’s Sports Complex where several hundred fans watched the closing ceremony.
Amir was accompanied by his uncle Tahir Mehmood, father Shajjad Khan and brother Haroon Khan.
Test cricketer Javed Miandad, hockey Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui and former Pakistan football captain Ali Nawaz Baloch were also present.
Karachi Corps Commander Naved Mukhtar was the chief guest on the occasion.
Amir also said that they would come again for professional boxing. “My brother Haroon will play in Pakistan,” Amir said.
He requested the audience to pray for him as he would be fighting his next pro bout in March.
Amir also inaugurated the Under-14 boxing camp. He also did some padding with a couple of kids, which enchanted the crowd.
The leading teams got trophies and the gold medallists were given a cash prize of Rs15,000 each. The silver medallists got Rs10,000 each.
As many as 56 boxing veterans were handed over Rs20,000 each for their meritorious services for the country.
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