Former world light-welterweight champion Amir Khan recently expressed deep disappointment as his boxing academy in Islamabad faced closure.
Khan, who had invested over $100,000 in the academy, shared his frustration in a video, highlighting the lack of support from government officials.
A Dream Turned Nightmare
Amir Khan’s vision for his academy was to provide a platform for aspiring boxers in Pakistan.
Located near the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, the academy was inaugurated in 2016 to nurture young talent and potentially produce future boxing champions for the country.
Broken Promises
Despite initial promises and agreements with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Khan’s efforts to keep the academy running smoothly were thwarted.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Khan and the PSB outlined mutual responsibilities, with Khan providing coaches and equipment while expecting support from the government.
A Cry for Help
In his emotional video, Khan lamented the closure of the academy and questioned why boxing isn’t better supported in Pakistan. Despite reaching out to officials and the government for assistance, Khan’s efforts went unanswered, leading to the closure of his gym.
The Road Ahead
With his academy now closed, Khan has made the difficult decision to return to England. However, he remains determined to fight for the future of boxing in Pakistan.
Khan has hinted at potential legal action in the future to reclaim his academy, emphasizing the importance of providing young boxers with a conducive environment to train and excel.
Amir Khan’s experience with his boxing academy in Pakistan sheds light on the challenges faced by athletes in developing countries.
Despite his efforts to support the sport and nurture talent, bureaucratic hurdles and lack of support from authorities have left his dream in tatters.
As Khan continues to advocate for the future of boxing in Pakistan, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a supportive environment for athletes to thrive and succeed.