Gul-Zeb becomes Pakistan's last hope as Asif falls in Olympic boxing qualifiers

Pakistan's boxing hopes took another hit as Mohammad Asif went down to Indonesia’s Suguro Aldoms in the men’s flyweight (5 2kg) preliminaries of the Asia and Oceania Boxing Qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Amman, Jordan. 

Pakistan’s coach Arshad Hussain praised Asif's performance and expressed disappointment over his loss by a hair. 

Arshad was also critical of the training his boxers did not receive, “The big issue you know was that we did not get good sparring. Our fighters are very good but need good training".

Pakistan fielded only three boxers in the event with Mehmood-ul-Hasan losing to China’s Tuoheta Erbieke Tanglatihan in the 75 kilogram competition on Tuesday.

Pakistan’s only hope left is Gul Zeb who will face China’s Maimaititu Ersun Qiong in the pre-quarter-final on Friday (tomorrow).

Pakistan last featured in Olympic boxing competitions in 2004 Athens Games.

Pakistan boxers have another chance of qualifying for Olympics when they appear in the World Qualifying round to be held in Paris from May 13 to 20 at the Grand Dome, Villebon-sur-Yvette. It will be open only to those athletes who will not have qualified by then.