Former boxing world champion Amir Khan is fuming after his state-of-the-art boxing academy in Islamabad, Pakistan has been occupied and taken over by paramilitary forces. The Englishman of Pakistani descent had invested over $100,000 into establishing the gym with the goal of nurturing young Pakistani boxing talent.
Khan, who unified the light-welterweight titles between 2009-2012 before retiring in 2022 with a 34-6 record, made an agreement with the Pakistan Sports Board in 2016 to open the academy. The deal stipulated that Khan would provide coaching and equipment, while the PSB would support operations.
However, last year the Frontier Constabulary, a Pakistani paramilitary force, occupied the building and converted it into living quarters for its personnel. A video shared by Khan shows the once pristine gym now littered with sleeping bags and uniforms.
The 37-year-old is bitterly disappointed by this turn of events after his noble intentions to give back to the Pakistani boxing community. “I keep coming to Pakistan; initially, there was an academy here. Now children message me that they need training and boxing classes. Why isn’t there boxing in Pakistan?” Khan lamented.
“I’ve spoken to officials and the government, but nothing happened. My gym was brand new and very clean, but it got shut down. I’m in Pakistan; tomorrow I’m going to England, and I’m very disappointed. I’m very upset that over a hundred thousand dollars I spent on the gym is now wasted.”
Despite his exasperation, Khan hasn’t given up and is considering legal action to regain control of the occupied premises that was meant to be a breeding ground for Pakistani boxing prospects. His commitment to develop boxing in the country of his roots is undiminished, even as bureaucratic negligence has derailed his philanthropic efforts so far.
