LAHORE - Pakistan boxing entered a new phase of international development and cooperation with the arrival of two elite Kazakh boxing coaches in Islamabad, marking the official launch of a landmark Pakistan-Kazakhstan partnership aimed at revitalising the sport through world-class coaching, athlete development and knowledge-sharing programmes.
Official Launch at Dostyq Sports Centre
The initiative, which began at the Dostyq Sports Centre at the Pakistan Sports Complex, represents the practical implementation of a strategic collaboration between the two countries designed to strengthen Pakistan’s boxing structure, enhance coaching standards and provide young athletes with access to international best practices.
Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Lt. Col. (R) Nasir Ijaz Tung, accompanied by Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin and PBF Secretary Major Irfan Younis, described the programme as a historic milestone for the future of boxing in Pakistan.
Background of the Partnership
The development follows the signing of MoU between Pakistan and Kazakhstan earlier this year to expand bilateral cooperation in sports, particularly boxing, while promoting youth empowerment, cultural exchange and stronger people-to-people ties between the two friendly nations.
Nasir Tung said the partnership would create valuable opportunities for talent exchange, capacity building and joint training initiatives, enabling Pakistani boxers and coaches to benefit from Kazakhstan’s internationally recognised boxing system.
“These agreements are opening new doors for our young athletes. This is not just about boxing; it is about building a complete ecosystem of excellence, shared growth, friendship and opportunity,” he said.
Benefits for Pakistani Boxers
Under the agreement, Pakistani boxers will gain access to high-performance training environments, structured preparation programmes for major international competitions and regular exposure to top-level sparring partners—key elements required to compete successfully on the global stage.
Welcoming the Kazakh Coaches
Nasir Tung welcomed renowned Kazakh coaches Damir Budanbekov and Nurzhan Kondybayev, describing their visit as a significant step toward restoring Pakistan’s rich boxing tradition and nurturing the next generation of champions.
Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s boxing development and strengthening sporting relations between the two countries.
“Pakistan possesses a proud boxing heritage and tremendous athletic talent. We are honoured to support our brotherly nation through this development programme, which will greatly benefit young athletes.”
He added that the initiative would play a vital role in preparing Pakistani boxers for future international competitions while further enhancing institutional cooperation and sporting exchanges between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
