KARACHI: Former two-time world champion Amir Khan, who spent over three hours in Lyari on Wednesday, said the locality has abundance of talent and if given proper training and exposure it can produce more boxers like him in the future.

“After witnessing the pugilists in action and their love for the sport here, I can say with authority that Lyari, which is considered as hub of the game in the city, can produce world champions provided they are groomed well and scientifically,” he told a select gathering of boxers, organisers and guests at the Ustad Abdullah Baloch boxing stadium in the Peoples Sports Complex.

The England-based boxer, who is here on holidays, hoped that he will find more promising boxers when he visits here next time. “Lyari is bustling with life and not like what he had heard about it in the media,” added the 29-year-old boxer who also went around the densely populated area to win the hearts of local people.

Besides inaugurating a juniors boxing camp, he also witnessed two exhibitions bouts held between international Jehanzeb Khan and Shehroz Kacchi in the 49kg and the other between Imran Shah and Noor Mohammad in the 91kg.

Amir gave tips to the budding boxers and also presented souvenirs to them on the occasion. He also thanked the Sindh Boxing Association (SBA) and Pakistan Rangers Sindh for inviting him to Lyari.

The Pakistan Rangers Sindh doled out Rs10,000 apiece to the four boxers who took part in the exhibition bouts.

Earlier, rose petals were showered on the world famous boxer after his arrival at the Peoples Sports Complex and a group of Baloch youth presented traditional Balochi Leva dance.

Prominent among others who were present on the occasion were adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister Nadia Gabol, secretary sports and youth affairs Mohammad Rashid, provincial director sports Mohammad Bachal Raipota, Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) president Doda Khan Bhutto, MNA from Lyari Shahjehan Baloch, Col Amjad and Lt Col Sohail of Pakistan Rangers Sindh, ex-Olympian Malang Baloch, Siddiq Qambrani and SBA officials Abid Brohi and Asghar Baloch.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2015

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