Prof Anwar Chaudri, chairman International Boxing Federation (IBF), while speaking to Khaleej Times here yesterday said boxing was becoming popular among youngsters in the UAE.

He lauded the efforts of Hamid bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamid, chairman of the UAE Boxing Federation, who he said was committed to promote the sport at all levels.

"The IBF will also support UAE in its endeavours by allowing it to organise a mega event at the level of Middle East or even Asia during next six months," he said.

Training seminar

The IBF chairman who is on a week-long visit to Abu Dhabi to conduct a seminar for the selection and training of 35 referees and judges from 49 countries, will officiate in the Olympics boxing event.

He said that performance of the 52 referees and judges would be evaluated by experts Dr Ismail Osman from Egypt, Agha Jan from Azerbaijan and Shakeel Durrani from Pakistan.

Prof Anwar Chaudri said that the boxing, which was considered a dangerous sport, was now getting popularity across the globe as new safety guards have minimised the injuries to boxers by 75 per cent.

Under the new rules number of rounds and their time duration have also been reduced.

"UAE is among few countries where boxing is being given due attention and that was why the IBF wants to extend their fullest cooperation to the UAE federation by providing all necessary technical help like coaching so that they could introduce the sport at the school level, where the real potential lies", he said.