Pakistan’s four boxers face Asian Games challenge

Pakistan will send four boxers to the Asian Games in Japan as limited funding and international exposure continue to affect the sport’s progress.

The squad includes two men and two women, with Sumama Rahman competing in the 55kg category and Irfan Khan entering the 92kg division. Fatima Zehra will fight at 60kg, while Maria Rind will compete in the 51kg category.

Pakistan last won an Asian Games boxing medal in 2014, when Mohammad Waseem claimed bronze in Incheon. Since then, Pakistani boxers failed to reach the podium at the 2018 Jakarta and 2023 Hangzhou Games.

The team has trained at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad since August 24 after completing an earlier camp in Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Boxing Federation received administrative support from the army and the Pakistan Olympic Association during preparations.

However, financial problems remain a major challenge for Pakistani boxing. The Pakistan Sports Board will sponsor one male and one female boxer, while the federation will cover expenses for the other team members.

PBF president Col Nasir Tung said the boxers also need more international exposure to improve their rankings and gain experience. He warned that strong opponents from Central Asia, Iran, India, Thailand and Japan will make winning medals difficult.

Despite the challenges, Tung believes Fatima Zehra has the best chance of reaching the podium if she gets a favourable draw. Zehra recently won bronze at the Commonwealth Games after receiving extensive preparation and development support.

Meanwhile, Maria Rind will get another chance to compete internationally after missing the Commonwealth Games because of financial problems. Irfan Khan will make his international debut in Japan, while Sumama Rahman and Zehra will rely on their previous experience.

The four-member team is scheduled to leave for Japan on September 17, two days before the Asian Games opening ceremony. The tournament will provide Pakistan’s boxers with an important chance to gain experience and challenge stronger fighters.