Two-time world lightweight kick-boxing champion Ali Jacko wholeheartedly wants to promote boxing and craves for full assistance from the government and the boxing federation in order to realise his aspiration.
Although he was born in East End, London, the 1996 and 2000 world champion has his roots at Chatak in Sylhet and speaks Bengali in his native Sylheti accent.
He has been trying to contribute to the game for a long time but is still exploring ways as to how he can stamp his mark on the sport. The two-time world champion met the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Arif Khan Joy yesterday and expressed his desire.
“I want to contribute in the boxing arena. I have went through the top level of the game and my heart beats toward contributing in boxing. I just want support from the government and other concerned authorities,” said Jacko whose original name is Abdul Ali.
Ali directly approached the general secretary of the boxing federation, MA Quddus Khan. “My dear, you have the SA Games ahead of you and I assure you that the games-bound boxers will get advanced training ahead of the games. All you have to do is send them to England. I hope you will take the necessary steps,” said Ali who mentioned that he paved the way for Indian boxer Vijender Singh to advanced training.
Jacko, however, looked frustrated with the complexities of the system. “Everything seems to be a critical one. I want it simple and straightforward. I am willing to help, I am not willing to face complexities,” said the boxer who also expressed his interest of meeting the president of the Bangladesh Olympic Association.
The world champion though stated his unhappiness with the training facilities of the Bangladesh boxers. “In fact, the boxing gymnasium is a bit different from the normal gym. I will send the Focus Mitts, the Speed Bag, the Double End Bag. It will help the boxers to develop their skills,” he said. Jacko also prescribed some changes to the federation and told them to build a drawer under the ring to keep the kits of the boxers there.
Jacko went on to say the current standard of the local boxers is disappointing. “This is not unrealistic. The boxers hardly get international exposure and the training facilities are not up to the international level. How can you expect the boxers to perform at the top level? Boxing requires systematic and scientific approaches,” he said before adding, “I love this country. I want to help boxing. I hope to see some Bangladesh boxers bringing laurels for the country in the future.”
