Once hailed as a strong contender for medals at the Asian Games, Pakistan's boxing team is approaching this year's continental event with cautious optimism, fielding a modest four-member squad. The Asian Games, set to commence on September 19 in Japan, will see the nation represented by two male and two female boxers, a stark contrast to the glory days when they were considered serious medal prospects.
The last time Pakistan secured a boxing medal at the Asian Games was during the 2014 Incheon Games, where Mohammad Waseem clinched a bronze. Since then, the country has struggled to make an impact in the sport, failing to reach the podium at both the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and the upcoming 2023 Games in Hangzhou. Waseem has since transitioned to professional boxing, where he has found success as a WBA World Gold champion, but his departure has left a void in the national team.
This year, the Pakistani boxing contingent includes Sumama Rahman competing in the 55kg category, Irfan Khan in the 92kg division, Fatima Zehra at 60kg, and Maria Rind at 51kg. The team has been training at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad since August 24, following an earlier camp in Rawalpindi that received support from the army and the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). PBF president Col Nasir Tung expressed gratitude for the administrative backing provided by the army, which has been instrumental in organizing the team’s preparations.
However, the financial constraints facing the boxing team highlight one of the sport's most significant challenges in Pakistan: a lack of resources for international competition. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has agreed to sponsor one male and one female boxer, while the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) will cover the expenses for the remaining athletes. Col Nasir acknowledged the limitations, stating, "Yes, what we can as Board sponsors only two boxers."
The PBF's challenges extend beyond the current Asian Games campaign. Col Nasir pointed out that the lack of corporate support and insufficient state backing have hindered the ability of Pakistani boxers to gain the necessary international exposure to build their rankings and experience. He emphasized, "Unless you give exposure to boxers, they will not improve," underscoring the need for more competitive opportunities.
The Asian Games draw is expected to be particularly tough, with established boxing nations from Central Asia and strong contenders from countries such as Iran, India, Thailand, and hosts Japan. Col Nasir remarked, "It’s not easy to win a medal in this belt," reflecting the challenges the team faces.
Despite the hurdles, there is a glimmer of hope for Pakistan's boxing aspirations, particularly with Fatima Zehra, who has shown promise following her bronze medal performance at the Commonwealth Games. Col Nasir noted, "She is capable of reaching the podium provided she gets good draws," highlighting the impact of her recent preparation and exposure.
Maria Rind, hailing from Karachi's Lyari area, also has a chance to showcase her skills on the Asian stage after missing out on the Commonwealth Games due to financial limitations. Meanwhile, Irfan Khan will mark his international debut in Japan, stepping into one of the sport's most competitive arenas with limited experience.
As the team prepares to depart for Japan on September 17, they carry the weight of expectations tempered by the realities of their circumstances. With a focus on gaining valuable experience, the boxers aim to make their mark at the Asian Games, hoping to break the medal drought that has plagued Pakistani boxing for nearly a decade.
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