Sports Bulletin

Olympic Gold medalist, British Amir Khan becomes chairman of PPBB, father presidentAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Olympic Gold medalist British boxer Amir Khan became the chairman of Pakistan Professional Boxing Body (PPBB), while his father Shajaad Khan and uncle Tahir Khan would act as president and secretary, respectively, of the organization.While unfolding the details of PPBB, Amir Khan said in a press conference here at the National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday. “Our basic aim is to provide maximum opportunities to budding boxers and to train technical officials, which could meet the international standard. We will promote professional boxing in the country, and provide full assistance to talented fighters. PPBB will also introduce a transparent, safe, and professionally managed boxing system in line with global standards. The professional boxing event is expected to be held on February 10 next year, “he revealed.Speaking on the occasion, Amir Khan highlighted the shortage of boxing academies and modern training facilities in Pakistan, saying that the country, particularly areas such as Lyari in Karachi, has immense boxing talent but lacks the necessary infrastructure to develop young fighters. He urged the government to support the establishment of boxing academies by providing unused sports complexes and available government land. “Many talented Pakistani boxers are compelled to leave the country or represent other nations because of financial difficulties and the high costs associated with international competitions, “he lamented.“Pakistani boxers are recognised for their talent in the United Kingdom and other Western countries, but the country still lacks an effective professional boxing structure capable of taking local athletes to the international level. In the past, controversial decisions, poor management, and a lack of transparency had discouraged several promising fighters. PPBB is established through private-sector efforts and will not depend on government funding or public resources. We will provide legal representatives, experienced referees, judges, and technical experts to ensure that competitions are conducted in accordance with international rules and regulations, “he replied a question.He further said that PPBB would develop links and pursue affiliations with leading international boxing organisations, including the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organization (WBO), and Commonwealth Boxing, aiming to provide Pakistani fighters opportunities to compete for international titles.He emphasised that athletes' health and safety would remain the board's top priority. Mandatory medical examinations, fitness assessments and other necessary health checks would be introduced before competitions. Strict measures would also be taken to prevent unauthorised individuals from entering the ring and to ensure that boxers with significantly different experience levels and professional records are not unfairly matched.On this occasion, President PPBB Shajjad Khan said that the development of professional boxing in Pakistan would begin with improving the technical skills and qualifications of officials. National and international-standard training courses would be organised for referees and judges, while their performance and expertise would be regularly assessed. Only qualified officials would be assigned responsibilities during competitions to ensure fair and transparent decisions. He added that the board would study successful boxing commission models from the United Kingdom and other developed countries to introduce a safe and well-organised professional boxing structure in Pakistan.General Secretary Tahir Khan said that the board's primary objective was to provide international recognition to Pakistani boxers, referees and judges. He noted that Pakistani boxing officials currently lacked the international recognition necessary for the sport's development. “Proper records of registered fighters and officials would be maintained, while cooperation with international boxing organisations would help them gain access to overseas competitions and world-level titles. The body also aims to create opportunities for Pakistani referees and judges to officiate at Asian and international boxing events.Director Legal Affairs Sultan Qamar Afzal said:  “A strong legal and regulatory framework is essential for the future of professional boxing in Pakistan. The body will focus on legal requirements, regulations and the protection of athletes' rights to establish an environment in which fighters could compete with confidence. Talent alone is not enough to succeed in professional boxing, stressing the importance of consistent training, financial support, opportunities and international exposure. The basic objective is to provide athletes with a proper platform to realise their potential. The board is also taking steps to ensure that competition results and professional records of boxers are maintained on recognised international platforms, preventing unauthorised changes and allowing their performances to be verified globally”.

Islamabad (Sports Report): The Islamabad Divisional Boxing competitions concluded here on other day that held under the banner of Islamabad Boxing Association (IBA) at Fight House.A wonderful enthusiastic participation from a large number of male and female boxers from different clubs of federal capital.The divisional-level event was organized with the support of the Pakistan Army and aimed at providing a competitive platform to emerging and budding boxing talent. Boxers who delivered outstanding performances in these competitions have qualified to represent Islamabad Division in the upcoming National Boxing Championship.Pakistan army and Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) sponsored event for the promotion of sports in Pakistan. This marked the first-ever divisional boxing championship organized by the Islamabad Boxing Association, a significant milestone for the promotion of boxing in the region. The primary objective of the event was to promote the sport at the grassroots level and to identify new and promising talent for future national and international competitions.At the closing ceremony, Secretary of the Pakistan Boxing Federation, Major Irfan Younis, and Chairman of the Islamabad Boxing Association, Shahid Ahmad Khan, and secretary Islamabad Boxing Association Namood Muslim Syed were present as guests. They distributed medals and prizes among the successful boxers and appreciated the efforts of organizers, coaches, and officials for conducting the event in a professional and disciplined manner.Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasized that such competitions play a vital role in strengthening boxing at the divisional and national levels and expressed hope that Islamabad boxers would perform well in the National Boxing Championship.The successful organization of the championship reflects the growing interest in boxing in Islamabad and sets a strong foundation for future boxing events in the capital.

Islamabad (PR): The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has issued a comprehensive advisory to federal and provincial sports institutions, departments, and all relevant stakeholders across the country regarding the unauthorized use of the name "Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation." The advisory directs that any activities, decisions, or notifications issued by Tariq Pervaiz or his self-styled federation be rejected at all levels.According to the official letter, the Constitution of the Pakistan Sports Board (2022), approved by the Federal Cabinet, clearly states that only those federations formally affiliated with PSB can be considered National Sports Federations (NSFs). Only such recognized federations are authorized to use the name “Pakistan” and send teams to international competitions.The letter reveals that Tariq Pervaiz, an unrecognized individual, has been falsely presenting himself as the President of the so-called "Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation" which he represents and has been unlawfully using the name “Pakistan” despite having no affiliation or recognition from the PSB.PSB has explicitly instructed all institutions, departments, sports federations, and athletes to disregard any correspondence, decisions, or statements issued by Tariq Pervaiz. It also warned that any violation of the PSB Constitution and misuse of the name “Pakistan” would result in legal action. The advisory further urges all stakeholders to ensure full compliance with PSB’s directives to maintain transparency and legal integrity within the national sports framework.The circular has been sent to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Railways, WAPDA, the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), Police, Services Sports Control Board, and sports boards of all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Islamabad.According to PSB spokesperson Khurram Shehzad, the Pakistan Sports Board is committed to upholding transparency and constitutional order in sports governance and will not tolerate any unlawful claims or misleading activities under any circumstances.  

Ghani Ur RehmanPESHAWAR: Master Zia-ul-Rehman, Finance Secretary of the Provincial Boxing Association, said that it is a great news that revolutionary steps are being taken in the field of boxing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The announcement of the new cabinet under the auspices of Provincial Boxing Association Secretary Khaizrullah is an important step towards promoting development in the boxing sector and giving the best opportunities to the players.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa already has a long list of prestigious boxing players who have brought Pakistan international recognition. These players have made their country proud through their skills and their experience and strength point to other players.Ziaur Rahman said that the initiative of Chairman Akmal Jadoon and Secretary Khaizrullah is providing an opportunity to give basic training to boxing players and to make them stand out in international competitions. It is clear from his words that he considers boxing not only a game of physical skill but also a game of mental skill and his aim is to give the players the opportunity to reach different places.It is a big step to start the registration of boxing clubs and players in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and start working at the grass roots level to provide skills training and opportunities to players. Inshallah this will provide a better environment and opportunities for the players to progress and they can use their skills in the way of improvement.This announcement by the Provincial Boxing Association gives a chance for the boxers to step towards a brighter future and may be the beginning of a positive change in their path to success.Congratulations to Master Ziaur Rehman on this development and appreciate his intention to continue to promote development in the field of boxing and provide opportunities for athletes to include Pakistan in international projects. 

Ghani Ur RehmanPESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has announced the team, which will participate in the National Junior Boxing Championship to be held in Faisalabad from September 9 under the banner of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF).According to an official, athletes from different districts of the province participated in the trials organized by the management committee of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Boxing Association (PBA) to choose the lads for the national juniors’ fixture. The trials were supervised by the Secretary of the Management Committee of the Provincial Boxing Association and former international boxer Khaizrullah.Names of selected players:Abrar (Swat) and Safian (Peshawar) in 46 kg weight, Zameer of DI Khan and Adnan of Swat in 48 kg, Syed (Kohat) and Abdullah Khalid (Hazara) in 50 kg, Shahid (Kohat) in 52 kg. And Musa (Peshawar), Ismatullah from G Main Bannu and Ahmed from DI Khan in 57 kg, Ismail from Hazara in 60 kg, Abdul Raziq from Swat and Asadullah from DI Khan, while Hussain from Hazara and Yusuf from DI Khan in 63 kg.Speaking to the media on this occasion, Secretary of the Management Committee of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Boxing Association Khaizrullah said that the responsibility assigned to him by the Boxing Federation would be my best effort to fulfill that in a benefiting manner.

Sports Report Dubai (UAE): Professional boxer Karan Gill was declared winner on 14th December 2022 shortly after giving Keisham Singh a tough fight in six consecutive rounds, with scores provided by Judges Vikramjeet Singh (57-56), Kavita Bhanwala (58-55), and Anshul Dagar (57-56) indicating the fighter's victory in the Super Bantamweight Division. However, post declaration there was an effort to change the record. The Indian Boxing Council and Promoter Anirban Roy (United Professional Boxing) in a written email had declared a no-contest result for the pro boxer after a three-member Jury was tasked with conducting a video review of Karan Gill's victory over Keisham Luckyson Singh, thereby incorrectly removing all boxing records and stripping away the winning title from the fighter. Karan Gill and his manager brought the matter to the Indian Boxing Council's attention, requesting that a proper review be conducted after contesting a petition through proper channels. In contrast, the IBC (Indian Boxing Council) and the United Professional Boxing Promoter provided a written document stating that the referee's warning to boxer Keisham Luckyson in round 4 was incorrect. According to the IBC letter, Boxer Karan Gill was responsible for holding his opponent's neck along with repeatedly hitting his head multiple times in the same round, causing severe injury. As per the referee, Karan Gill should have been warned for "holding" and "hitting the back of the head" in the fourth round. That is when the Federation decided to remove Karan Gill's records without further complaint. Clarifying about the same Karan Gill’s manager, Jagtar Singh shares, “A boxing expert analyzed the fourth-round video for us. According to the expert, Karan Gill could not have received any warning about his punches based on the video. The incorrect arm was used by our opponent, Keisham Luckyson Singh, who was brought in by Mr. Anirban Roy, the Promoter of United Professional Boxing. During the first three rounds, Keisham was warned not to take a lower stance. After each round, I believe the referee told him the same thing, but he ignored it. And now the federation is attempting to hide what it did with other fighters who competed in different categories. Our boxer fought admirably against the promoter's fighter. But the promoter doesn’t want to create a negative image for his fighter which is why IBC has his full committed support. “We also had another fighter, Simranjeet Singh, who out of the blue got his fight scheduled with one of promoter’s fighters Boxer Manish without asking for it. Although there was another fight scheduled for Manish, but without asking if Siranjeet had participated, they updated our fighter’s score card as a loss round. Thankfully they deleted the record then after clarifying with them. What if we haven’t noticed “, questions Jagtar Singh Also not stopping there Karan Gill’s manager further clarifies,” The Federation and the promoter of United Professional Boxing does has a history of misplacing records and erasing stats of extremely talented fighters. Akashdeep Singh, another talented boxer, had a fight scheduled with a candidate of the promoter’s organized by IBC but ended up fighting with an individual of another category. Though,  our fighters did win this category but again his records were deleted from the charts.” In the end Jagtar Singh said: “We sincerely hope that the Federation and the promoter will accept their trial of errors and rectify all stats with careful judgement and precision especially for Karan Gill. For if there are good fighters, they will never be able to compete or participate in future events if there is always such confusion regarding rectifying one’s results.”

Sports Bulletin Report QUETTA: Pakistan Army have won the 39th National Men’s Boxing Championship 2022 that concluded Ayub Stadium, Quetta on Sunday. Hosts Balochistan’s boxers clinched 2nd position. Boxer Ilyas Hussain was named the best boxer of the championship. Boxers from Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Pakistan Navy, Pakistan, WAPDA, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Police, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and host Balochistan participated in the championship. Organizing Secretary of 39th National Boxing Championship Syed Hafeez Agha, Vice President PBF, Shahnaz Kamal Khan, Joint Secretary Ahmara Sattar, Joint Secretary Major Irfan, former international boxers Mirwaiz, Faizuddin Kakar, Pikar Khan, and others were present. General Secretary PBF Nasir Ijaz Tong in his speech paid tribute to Balochistan Boxing Association and Balochistan Youth Sports Department for organizing the wonderful championship and asked them to organize such boxing championships in the future as well. Pakistan Boxing Federation will give full cooperation. Bashir Ahmed Achakzai, Gul Hussain, Asif Kakar, Rustam Baloch, Sher Mohammad, Fida Hussain, Asam Chatta, Mohammad Shoaib Hazara, Arshad Hussain, Qamar Shaheen, Syed Kamal Khan, Tahir Ayub, Bashir Shuja, Rashid Minhas, Mohammad Athar Aziz and Uzma Qamar performed the duties of referees, while Mohammad Younis Phatan, Captain Habibullah Jafari, Qadir Zaman, Abdul Haq and Jamshed Kazmi were the members of jury. Results (Men’s Events): Pakistan Army: 9 golds, 2 silvers and 2 bronze Pakistan WAPDA: 3 golds and 4 silvers Balochistan won 1 gold and 2 silvers. In 48 kg: Jahanzeb Khan (WAPD) beat Zohaib Rashid (Navy) 3-2, in 51 kg Taha (Urmi) beat Sajid Rashid (Navy) 3-2, in 54 kg Zakir Hussain (Urmi) beat Noor. Ali Balochistan 4-1 to 57 kg Ilyas Hussain (Urmi) defeated Kaleemullah (WAPDA) 5-0 to 60 kg Muhammad Ibrahim (Urmi) defeated Mohibullah (WAPDA) 3-2 to 63.5 kg In Naqibullah (WAPDA) beat Abrar Ali (Urmi) 4-1 in 67 kg Gulzeb (Urmi) beat Rafiullah Balochistan 4-1 in 71 kg Ehsan (Balochistan) beat Saeed Anwar (Urmi) 5 - In 0 to 75 kg, Saiful Manan (Urmi) beat Tanveer Ahmed (Navy) 3-2 in 80 kg, Bilawal Zia (Urmi) beat Ismatullah (Police) 4-1 in 86 kg, Zeeshan Ali ( Urmi) beat Neematullah (WAPDA) 4-1 in 92 kg Irfan Khan (Urmi) beat Najeebullah (WAPDA) 3-2 + 92 kg Sanaullah (WAPDA) beat Mehmoodul Hasan (Airforce) Defeated Results (Women's Events): Sindh: 2 gold and 2 silver HEC: 1 gold and 2 silver Balochistan: 1 gold and 1 bronze In 48 kg: Umm Labinan (Baluchistan) beat Nida (Sindh) 3-2 to 50 kg, Hamnia Mumtaz (HSC) beat Sana Atif (Punjab) 3-2 to 52 kg, Guljaban (Sindh). Rabia Batul (Urmi) 4-1 in 54 kg Ramsha Ghaffar (Urmi) beat Princess Sakhi (HEC) 4-1 in 57 kg Marine Baloch (Air Force) beat Ayman (Sindh) Sahara (Sindh) defeated Komal Akhlaq (AJK) 5-0 in 60kg by 4-1. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs of Balochistan Mohammad Ishaq Jamali has said that Balochistan was the center of sports and the cradle of Aman. Under the auspices of the Association, with the support of the Sports Department of Balochistan, PSB was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 39th National Men's and 3rd National Women's at Ayub Stadium, Quetta.   

Sports Bulletin Report BANGKOK: Pakistan’s Mohammad Shoaib defeated Hendrik Barongsay of Indonesia to seal the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) lightweight championship belt. Promising pugilist Mohammad Shoaib produced a masterclass to overcome Hendrik Barongsay of Indonesia in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday night. The 25-year-old Quetta-born boxer, who has now won all his four pro fights he featured so far, prevailed over his seasoned opponent in the 10th round with the official scorecard after the fight reading 117-57 for him. Known as the “Coolest Boy”, Shoaib had outwitted Thai boxer Sornram Sopakul in Bangkok in September this year to qualify for fighting for the Asian title. Mohammad Shoaib said: “I knew my opponent was a seasoned boxer but I believed in myself. I knew I could beat him. I wanted to make it a spectacular match for the audience at the event, as well as my fans back home. My opponent lost the way as I targeted to outsmart him in the early rounds. My dream is to raise the green flag high in the world. I’m thankful to the nation for supporting me and praying for my success.”

Sports Bulletin Report Quetta: Higher Education Commission (HEC) claimed 5 medals including one gold, two silvers and two bronzes in the 3rd Women’s National Elite Boxing Championship that was taken place in Quetta. Nine women teams including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and HEC participated in the championship. HEC Director/In-Charge Sport Javed Ali Memon said: “It is a proud moment for the HEC women boxing team, coaches and managers that HEC has performed well in the Elite Boxing Championship”. He added that with the approval of HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, HEC had recently organized the first Inter-Varsity Women's Boxing Championship with the support of Pakistan Boxing Federation to provide equal opportunities for female students.

Sports Bulletin Report NEW DELHI: Pro boxer Sandeep Singh Bhatti has been chosen to box for Tyson Fury's undercard team. With the backing of world athlete promoters Top Rank (the boxing promotional company founded by Jabir Herbert Mohammad and Bob Arum) and Frank Warren (the founder of Queensbury Promotions), Sandeep Singh Bhatti will compete against British professional boxer Issac Lowe on December 3, 2022. Sandeep Singh Bhatti, who was recently signed by the sports management company, is well-known for his 8-round WBC Title victory over Afghan boxer Aimal Sediqzada. After competing in a number of Indian professional boxing tournaments, he will be now fighting under Tyson Fury's card, with the opportunity to become the next undisputed boxing champion. Neeraj Goyat, Owner VN Promotions said: “Sandeep is more of a fighter than a boxer. He has not only raised the bar for professional boxing in India, but his selection in the upcoming undercard fight will undoubtedly establish him as a new fan favorite in the combat sporting community.” “Sandeep is one of our top professional boxing talents we have in India at the moment. Top Rank and Frank Warren's assistance has allowed him to compete against international boxing champions such as Issac Lowe who is now regarded as one of the best professional boxers in the world. Sandeep Singh Bhatti said: “In my career, facing off against such a professional fighter is a huge step forward. I'd like to thank particularly Neeraj Goyat my manager for pulling this one off and Top Rank India and Frank Warren, for allowing my talent to compete in an international league fight so early in my career. Bob Arum, Founder and CEO of Top Rank said: "Professional Boxing has found a huge fanbase here in India; I am quite surprised by the response and adoration Indian fans have for combat sports, as well as how it engages even non-sports fans. Our goal has always been to support athletes like Sandeep and to open doors for pro boxing to grow beyond national boundaries. We want professional boxing to have a bigger and stronger commercial viability globally, similar to cricket and football, and we hope to inspire it."