Pakistan boxing received a major boost as a landmark Pakistan-Kazakhstan collaboration officially commenced with the arrival of two elite Kazakh boxing coaches arrived in Islamabad to conduct a comprehensive coaching and athlete development clinic at the Dostyq Sports Centre, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
The initiative marks the practical implementation of a strategic partnership between Pakistan and Kazakhstan aimed at reviving and strengthening Pakistan’s boxing landscape through world-class training, knowledge exchange, and youth development programmes.
Talking to the media, President Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Lt. Col. (R) Nasir Ijaz Tung, accompanied by Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin and PBF Secretary Major Irfan Younis, termed the programme a “historic milestone” for the future of boxing in Pakistan. The development follows the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and Kazakhstan earlier this year, designed to enhance bilateral cooperation in sports, particularly boxing, while promoting youth empowerment and people-to-people connections between the two friendly nations.
Lt. Col. (R) Nasir Ijaz Tung said the partnership would facilitate talent exchange, capacity building, and joint training programmes, enabling Pakistani boxers and coaches to benefit from Kazakhstan’s globally acclaimed boxing system.
“These agreements are opening new doors for our young athletes. This is not just about boxing; it is about creating a complete ecosystem of shared growth, excellence, friendship, and opportunity,” he said. Under the agreement, Pakistani boxers will gain access to high-performance training environments, structured preparation for major international competitions, and regular exposure to top-level sparring partners-critical ingredients for success on the world stage. Expressing his gratitude, Nasir Tung said the federation was delighted to host the renowned Kazakhstan boxing coaches Damir Budanbekov and Nurzhan Kondybayev and described their visit as a significant step toward rebuilding Pakistan’s proud boxing legacy.
“We are extremely happy to welcome our Kazakh friends, whose expertise and experience will help elevate the standard of coaching and athlete development across Pakistan. This collaboration will inspire a new generation of champions,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s boxing development.
“Pakistan has a rich boxing tradition and tremendous talent. We are proud to support our brotherly nation through this development programme, which will greatly benefit young Pakistani athletes and contribute to the growth of boxing in the region,” the Ambassador said.
This initiative will play a key role in preparing Pakistani boxers for future international competitions while strengthening institutional cooperation between the two countries, he said
The arrival of the Kazakh coaches represents more than a training programme-it signals the beginning of a transformative chapter for Pakistan boxing, one focused on international standards, youth empowerment, and sustained sporting excellence.