Brit boxing champ’s brother to fight for Pak, but heart still with Britain
May 13th, 2010 - 12:49 pm ICT by ANILondon, May 13 (ANI): British boxing champion Amir Khan’s younger brother is all set to represent Pakistan at the 2010 Commonwealth Games at Delhi after claiming that he is being snubbed by Team Great Britain.
Haroon ‘Harry’ Khan, who won the junior ABA’s title last year in bantamweight category, said he would prefer to follow his older brother and wear a Great Britain vest when the Commonwealth Games are staged in New Delhi.
But so far the 19-year-old has been overlooked by the GB senior squad and is ready to take up Pakistan on their offer to join them.
“I really wanted to box for Britain at the Olympics ever since Amir won silver in Athens. I looked at what he did and dreamed of going one better, The Sun quoted Haroon, as saying.
“But I’ve never had a look-in with the senior England squad, not even a letter. What used to happen was they would call me up a week before an international and ask if I could box, but I knew it was only because someone had pulled out and they never really wanted me,” Haroon said.
“I’d have liked to have fought for Britain at the 2012 Olympics, but that isn’t going to happen. I’ve spoken to a lot of English boxers and they said if they were me, they would go for it.
“When I went over to Pakistan, they were offering me a house and a car and a driver, if I wanted to stay there,” Haroon said.
Amir Khan was launched to stardom when he won the silver medal at the Athens Olympic Games, losing to famed Cuban Mario Kindelan in the final.
Brother Haroon wants to perform at the Commonwealth Games, but insists that he won’t represent another country at the 2012 Olympics in London.
“Whatever happens, I couldn’t see myself fighting for Pakistan at the 2012 Olympics in London. That just wouldn’t feel right. If all goes well, I will turn pro after the Commonwealth Games,” he said. (ANI)
- Haroon Khan opted to box for Pakistan after England snub - Sep 29, 2010
- Amir Khan slams selectors for allowing 'Delhi CWG success' brother to box for Pak - Oct 11, 2010
- Delhi CWG earns bragging rights for Haroon Khan against Brit boxing selectors - Oct 10, 2010
- Pakistan gears up for World boxing meet - Sep 21, 2011
- I can prove myself again: Rathore - Feb 01, 2012
- Brit boxer to represent native Pakistan in CWG, London Olympics - Mar 05, 2010
- I will quit boxing in five years, says Brit boxer Amir Khan - Oct 08, 2010
- World boxing Champ. Amir Khan fears being Kidnapped in Pakistan - Jun 20, 2010
- Star boxer Akhil Kumar joins Mumbai Fighters - Oct 20, 2011
- Time professionals ran Indian sport: Shooter Ronjan Sodhi - Dec 05, 2010
- British boxing ace Amir Khan to arrive Pakistan on Wednesday - Jan 06, 2010
- Haroon Khan to represent Pak at CWG - Sep 28, 2010
- No place for Rathore; Joydeep, Heena selected for London Olympics - Feb 19, 2012
- China can't reach Beijing gold haul in London, says official - Apr 20, 2012
- Madan Lal wins bronze in Benazir Bhutto boxing - Dec 29, 2011
Tags: 19 year old, 2010 commonwealth games, 2012 olympics, aba, amir khan, athens olympic games, boxing champ, boxing champion, brit, britain london, england squad, great britain, haroon, mario kindelan, New Delhi, olympic games, olympics, silver medal, stardom, vest