ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday released Rs24.675 million for boxer Mohammad Waseem who made the country proud last July after winning the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver flyweight title.
The 29-year-old Quetta-based boxing sensation who is currently in the US had defeated Philippines’ Jether Oliva in Seoul to become first Pakistani who has ever won the WBC title.
“We transferred Rs24.675 million to his account of National Bank Washington today since the boxer has been in the US,” said Azam Dar who is national federations director at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
Dar said that the amount was released in view of the boxer’s request for the grant for training in the US to further improve his skills for future challenges.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had approved the summary of ministry of Inter-provincial Coordination, he maintained. “After completing various formalities, the PSB today deposited the amount in the boxer’s account,” he further said.
Azam said that financial assistance will not only help Waseem achieve more glory but would also motivate other sportspersons.
Waseem requested the federal government for financial assistance of Rs30 million following his splendid victory against Oliva so that he could get foreign training ahead of his upcoming fight.
Initially, the government had shown willingness to release Rs30 million but the IPC ministry recommended Rs24.675 million which the prime minister approved.
The superb boxer who represented Pakistan in a number of international competitions from 2009 to 2014 and won medals started his career at the age of 16. He remained unbeaten for more than seven years in national competitions, creating history in Pakistan’s boxing.
Waseem joined professional boxing in June 2015 and won the first international title in July 2016. “We are optimistic about the talented boxer and the government is fully committed to supporting him as he is our national hero,” Azam said.
Source: Dawn