The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has imposed a lifetime ban on Khalid Mehmood, the President of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF), and Nasir Tong, its Secretary, following the slippage of Pakistani boxers during international events. This decision comes after an inquiry into incidents involving three Pakistani boxers who failed to return home from competitions abroad.
Over the past two years, three Pakistani boxers went missing after international events, raising concerns within the sports community. Two of these boxers disappeared during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England, while another went missing during a qualifying round in Italy. These incidents have sparked a wave of criticism, prompting an internal investigation by the PSB.
The inquiry committee, tasked with probing the matter, concluded that the leadership of the Pakistan Boxing Federation was responsible for the lack of oversight and recommended a lifetime ban for both Mehmood and Tong. The PSB’s Board of Governors has now approved and enforced these recommendations.
Background of the Issue
The scandal began when two Pakistani boxers failed to return from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK, in 2022. Despite efforts to locate them, they remained missing, further tarnishing Pakistan’s reputation in international boxing. A similar case occurred during a qualifying event in Italy, where another boxer disappeared. The repeated nature of these incidents prompted the PSB to take decisive action, citing the need to prevent future occurrences and restore accountability.
According to the PSB’s inquiry report, these incidents reflected serious shortcomings in the administrative control of the Pakistan Boxing Federation. The failure of the PBF to ensure the safe return of its athletes led to widespread criticism from both the sports community and the public.
Implications of the Lifetime Ban
The lifetime ban on Khalid Mehmood and Nasir Tong marks a significant moment in Pakistani sports governance. Khalid Mehmood, who also holds the position of Secretary of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), is now expected to step down from this role as well, in accordance with the lifetime ban. The PSB’s action sends a clear message about the importance of accountability and proper oversight within national sports federations.
On the other hand, Nasir Tong has expressed strong opposition to the decision. Speaking to Geo News, he termed the lifetime ban "unconstitutional and illegal” and vowed to challenge it through legal means. Tong’s reaction indicates that the matter may soon escalate into a legal battle, as he seeks to overturn the PSB’s decision.
Fear of More Boxers Slipping Abroad
The Pakistan Boxing Federation has been under scrutiny for its management, with fears that more athletes might attempt to escape during international competitions. The slippage of boxers is a significant issue, not only affecting the reputation of Pakistani sports but also raising concerns about the welfare and security of athletes while abroad.
This fear has been heightened by the most recent incident in Italy, where another boxer went missing during a qualifying event. As the investigation continues, authorities remain on high alert, particularly during overseas competitions, to prevent further slippage.
Repercussions for Pakistan’s Boxing and Olympic Communities
The lifetime ban on two key figures of the Pakistan Boxing Federation has wide-reaching consequences. It disrupts the leadership of the PBF at a time when Pakistani boxing is facing multiple challenges, including a lack of funding, proper training facilities, and international exposure. The ban on Khalid Mehmood also raises questions about leadership within the Pakistan Olympic Association, where his removal could lead to shifts in the administrative structure.
At a time when Pakistani athletes are competing internationally and seeking to qualify for major events like the Olympics, the administrative instability within the PBF is a setback. With new leadership expected to take charge following the bans, it remains to be seen how the Federation will recover and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
