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Philippines, 25 Nov 2024 |
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WBC PRESIDENT MAURICIO SULAIMAN REFLECTS ON HIS HISTORIC VISIT TO PAKISTAN By Ronnie Nathanielsz PhilBoxing.com Tue, 17 Feb 2015  Ever since he was unanimously elected as president of the premier professional boxing organization in the world ? The World Boxing Council succeeding his renowned late father Don Jose Sulaiman ? Mauricio Sulaiman has embarked on a mission to enhance the sport of boxing and to widen the horizons of the WBC. His recent visit to Pakistan to bring that nation into the WBC fold was both historic and rewarding and as Mauricio pointed out in an article on the WBC website after three years of relentless pursuit by Antonella Obreja, ?the long awaited official affiliation of Pakistan to the WBC is secured and a great journey is underway, so much so, that I foresee that in less than five years Pakistan will have imprinted a significant impact on the World of Boxing.? Sulaiman recalls that when he confirmed his trip to Pakistan, accepting the official invitation of the Minister of Sports Rama Mashood through DG Sports Usman Anwar, the immediate reaction from most if not all, was completely against the idea of me travelling. He said ?there was concerns about security, terrorism and imminent danger ?. How wrong we all are when it comes to generalized perception!? The WBC president noted that from the moment he landed at Lahore, all he could see were ?smiling faces, caring people, hard working dedicated persons, rightly proud of their cultural traditions and way of living. There was not a single moment in which I experienced fear or the least concern. On the contrary, I felt most welcome, enjoyed exemplary hospitality with great dedication, to make us feel special. I invite all to look at the labels of the clothes you are wearing or sporting goods you are using. Many are made in Pakistan.? Sulaiman said the WBC Delegation visited the Municipal Gym and twelve kids were there to perform an excellent exhibition and added, ?Wow! The natural talent is exceptional! We were amazed by the technique and natural ability shown by these young amateur fighters." He elaborated on the working plan for Pakistan which Sulaiman conceded is long and elaborate and will take time. However, the WBC president remarked ?there is an admirable will, great excitement, wonderful enthusiasm and dedicated determination to make this venture an outstanding success.? Mauricio recalled that his dear Father Jose Sulaiman opened Thailand to the professional world of boxing back in 1982 and today it is one of the major forces in the Sport. He remarked ?These are exciting times and we will give our absolute best to provide every support to the Great Country of Pakistan.? The Chairman of the Sports Board, the Honorable Hamza Sebas Sheriff is an impressive and inspiring Leader, who's loved and respected by his people. At the closing ceremony of the Youth Festival, which through attendance has won the Guinness World Record notation, he dedicated his speech to motivate youth to practice sports and officially proclaimed the affiliation to the WBC in a memorable act in front of 10 thousand people! "We are all aware," said Sulaiman, "that Pakistan suffered a terrible tragedy this past December with the shooting at an Army Public School" but pointed out that ?Pakistan is back on its feet! Such event has made them stronger and they are united.? Sulaiman mentioned the fact that the Pakistanis ?tremendously admire Amir Khan, who is a national hero and role model. Amir has been appointed as the WBC Ambassador for Peace, and he will play a major role in developing this Program in Pakistan.? Amir Khan is of Pakistani heritage and is the current WBC welterweight Silver champion prompting Sulaiman to recall that ?just as Barry McGuigan used to say to his countrymen of Ireland while he was Champion of the World and his country was living through a security crisis ?. ? Let me do the fighting! ? Pakistanis will go into the ring and do the fighting there.? Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.  |
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