Second Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Memorial International Boxing Tournament 2011

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Category: boxing

Published on Tuesday, 20 December 2011 13:01

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Following the great success of the first Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Memorial Tournament, the second edition moved from Karachi to Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad, where this year the event will begin on December 20.

Last time around, China claimed four first place titles whilst a strong Syria team and a tough Thailand team acquired two gold medals. Hosts Pakistan along with Cameroon and Mongolia secured one gold each back in January 2010.

The event has since been scheduled as the last international competition of 2011 and the venue for the tournament will be the Liaquat Gymnasium Sports Complex in Islamabad where free entry will be provided for all boxing fans and spectators.23 countries had already confirmed their participation for the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Memorial Tournament with the final number expected to be at more than 25.

Since the terrorist attack against the Sri Lankan Cricket Team back in 2008, the Government has ensured that state level security is provided for all participants of international sport events in Pakistan. The organizers are expecting the country's image to be further enhanced after the successful completion of the tournament and that the nation's relationship with its neighbours will also continue to improve.

In a real coup for the organizers and for all boxing fans present, a special guest will be welcomed at the tournament as Light Welterweight sensation Amir Khan makes an appearance. Great Britain's 25-year-old Athens Olympic Games silver Medalist and former AIBA Junior World Champion's presence is a real endorsement for the tournament. Khan is proud of his roots with his Pakistan born parents.

The Sri Lankan full boxing team have already left and arrived at the venue for the event and have joined their Pakistani counterparts in Islamabad for some pre-tournament sparring and training sessions to ensure a best possible preparation.

The Sri Lanka team consists of,

Light Fly Weight Under 49kg AMCN Adikari of Slimline Boxing Club

Fly Weight Under 52kg MVGCS Bandara of Sri Lanka Army

Bantam Weight Under 56kg NGS Jayaweera of Unichela Boxing Club

Light Weight Under 60kg RMAB Gunathilaka of Slimline Boxing Club

Light Welter Weight Under 64kg KGS Kumarasinghe of Sri Lanka Navy

Welter Weight Under 69kg NM Hettiarachchi of Slimline Boxing Club

Middle Weight Under 75kg JMCN Jayasunder of Sri Lanka Army

Light Heavy Weight Under 81kg GAN Fernando of Sri Lanka Navy

Heavy Weight Under 91kg GAN Perera of Sri Lanka Army

Super Heavy Weight Under 91kg DRP Dissanayake of Slimline Boxing Club

The Boxers will be accompanied by Manager Lt. Col. Wasantha Liyanawadu, Coach Amila Aravinda, Coach YM Yapa Bandara and 2 star RJ WWMR Wekadapola.

In a great gesture of sporting goodwill, Pakistan's big neighbour and ancient rival India also confirmed their presence in Islamabad. Continuing the positive relations built last year, it is great to see sport rising above politics.

The best team at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Memorial Tournament will pocket prize money of $5,000 while the runners-up will be awarded $2,000. The earnings have almost doubled in two years when at the last edition China received $2,500. The individual winners of each weight classes will earn $850 per head. This big event is sure to attract great attention which is a huge incentive for all participating nations.

 

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