Pak names Boxing squad for CWG

Karachi: Haroon Shahid, younger brother of British boxing champion Aamir Khan, is part of the six-member Pakistani squad, announced for this year’s Commonwealth Games. The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) named six boxers in as many weight categories to compete in New Delhi in October. The squad includes Mohammad Waseem (49kg), Haroon Shahid (52kg), Qadir Khan (56kg), Adnan Hussain (60kg), Nisar Khan (75kg) and Mir Waiz Khan (91+kg). Two boxers – Naimat Ullah (56kg) and Arshad Hussain (60kg) – are in the reserve list. Cuba’s Francisco Hernandez Roldan will be the chief coach and Ali Bukhsh will be his deputy for the Games. The PBF is the first sports federation to announce its squad for the Games as preparations for meet have been hit by lack of funds and selection problems. The second phase of training started on Sunday in different cities after the Pakistan Sports Board and Pakistan Olympic Association reached an agreement under which it has been decided not to send the football team for the Games. “We have good hopes from our young and talented boxers that they will perform well for uplifting of game’s image in the country,” Muhammad Akram Khan, PBF Secretary General said. “Competing in India would be a big lift for our boxers who are keen to do their best,” he added. PTI