Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's four-member boxing team, including two men and two women, is set to compete in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
- The team's best hope is Fatima Zehra, who won Pakistan's first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in boxing.
- The squad faces tough competition from boxing powerhouses like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and India.
Pakistan's boxing contingent, comprising two men and two women, is preparing to represent the country at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled to open on September 19.
The squad's performance is seen as crucial for ending Pakistan's decade-long medal drought in the sport.
Fatima Zehra, a female boxer, is the team's biggest hope, having secured Pakistan's first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in boxing.
Zehra, who reached the semi-finals in Glasgow, is set to have another opportunity to win a medal at the Asian Games.
The other female boxer, Maria Rind, will compete in the 51kg division, while male talents include Sumama Rahman and Irfan Khan.
Rahman impressed at the Commonwealth Games despite a loss to India's Jadumani Singh Mandengbam, while Khan is making his international debut.
The selection process for the team relies primarily on the National Championships, with a trial held for any outstanding boxer who loses due to injury or medical unfitness.
Major Irfan Younis, secretary of the Pakistan Boxing Federation, acknowledged the importance of government support and international exposure for the team's success.
The team faces a tough competition, with boxing powerhouses like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and India expected to dominate the event.
The draw for the first bout is crucial, as it can determine the team's chances of advancing in the competition.
The only thing we lack is government support and international exposure.
Major Irfan Younis, Secretary of the Pakistan Boxing Federation
