Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Ministry for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Riaz Hussain Pirzada said that the ministry would send a summary to the Prime Minister to support boxer Muhammad Waseem to feature in the upcoming World Championship in USA. “He is our hero and we should support him in all his endeavours. We will forward a summary of 30 million rupees to the Prime Minister on Wednesday to support him for preparations his future feat in USA,” Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada told reporters after meeting Waseem, Pakistan’s newly-crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) silver flyweight champion at Pakistan Sports Board on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Waseem, who turned pro in June 2015 and signed the contract with Korean Promoter Andy Kim at AK Promotion, defeated his opponent Jether Oliva last month and became the first Pakistani to ever won the WBC Silver Belt Title. Currently, he is also the only boxer in South Asia, who possesses this title. In the meeting, Waseem informed the minister that he needs Rs 30 million to compete with Nicaraguan boxer Roman Gonzalez in his next fight in November in USA. The minister said that Waseem had hoisted Pakistan’s flag high in the world and the nation should be proud of him. “Like a pure champion he seems hundred per cent fit. We should be proud of this son of our soil. The government will support him in every possible way,” Pirzada added.

He expressed the hope that Waseem would retain the title at least for next five to six years. “He is one of the most capable and promising pugilist of our country. He is a role model for all the youngsters, who want to excel in life and earn a name in boxing,” the Minister added. Director General Pakistan Sports Board Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera on the occasion said that if Waseem emerged victorious in the fight against Gonzalez, the board would name a hall in Pakistan Sports Complex after him. Waseem on the occasion thanked the Minister and Director General PSB for pledging their support to him. “They have always been very cooperative and forthcoming. I will try my level best to win more titles and raise country’s name in the world,” he said.