British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan has been promoted to the rank of Captain in the Pakistan Army.
The news comes as a surprise to many, but it’s not the first time Khan has been involved with the Pakistan Army. In 2022, Khan launched a boxing academy in Islamabad, which was inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
However, in a recent development, the Pakistan Army took the control of the academy in April 2024.
A video shared by Khan recently shows the once pristine gym now littered with sleeping bags and uniforms.
The 37-year-old boxer expressed disappointment 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.”
Just several weeks after the Academy was returned, Khan was visibly thrilled as he showcased his new insignia, displaying three pips, a symbol of his new rank. In a video clip, he exclaimed,
“Hi guys, so I’ve just been honored by the Pakistan Army and him right there as Captain. So Captain Amir Khan. Yeah, three pips as well. Check that out guys. Big thank you to the Pakistan Army.”
The promotion of Amir Khan to the rank of Captain is likely an attempt to get Khan to do PR for the Pakistani Army.
Khan, who has been an active philanthropist, has been involved in various charity initiatives in Pakistan, including the construction of a hospital and a boxing academy for underprivileged children.
The Pakistani-origin boxer has had a stellar career, winning several championships, including the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) titles.
