If players are not provided with proper infrastructure then it is unjust to expect them to win medals: Roldan.—File photo by
If players are not provided with proper infrastructure then it is unjust to expect them to win medals: Roldan.—File photo by AFP
KARACHI Pakistan's Cuban boxing coach Francisco Hernandez Roldan is frustrated with the inundated training area provided to him at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) here to train local pugilists for upcoming international assignments.

“It is very difficult to practise here and it is also very dangerous for our boxers to play on such a slippery area, Roldan said. “We work so hard on our boxers and spend time and if they get injured by slipping, it would be highly frustrating for the boxers and us.”

He further said that all over the world the national camp was properly looked after but not here.

“I told the federation I couldn't practise in this wet place. But that is not the way out. Our pugilists need continuous training and any gap would not serve our purpose,” he added.

The chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Sports, Iqbal Mohammad Ali Khan, criticised officials of the PSB Karachi Centre for their negligence.

“It is their duty to look after the centre properly, especially when a national training camp is underway. The government spent so much money on national camp but due to negligence of a few people, funds and efforts of others get wasted,” he said.

He added that if players are not provided with proper infrastructure then it is unjust to expect them to win medals.

“The other day when I visited the camp, it was flooded with rainwater while water was also dripping from the ceilings and boys were practising in such conditions. This is not fair with the players,” he explained.—PPI

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