DOHA, 3 December 2006 — Two down, three to go as the five-man Saudi boxing team lost their preliminary two bouts to start their campaign in the 15th Asian Games here yesterday.
The losses, however, failed to discourage the young Saudi team from hoping to win at least a medal in the competition.
Bantamweight Ibrahim Al-Bishi lost via a second round stoppage to Orzubek Shayimov. Teammate Mabqhot Hadadi survived four rounds against Chinese Taipei’s Yaochun Tsai but dropped a unanimous decision in their 69kg welterweight bout. Of the three still to see action, Ali Al-Ahmry seemed to be the best bet to keep the Saudi hopes for a medal having won the bronze medal at an international event in Tunisia. Al-Ahmry,20, climbs the ring today in a bid to score the first victory by a Saudi boxer.
Ahmed Mayouf and Mohammed Al-Salem were also idle yesterday. They said it will be a daunting task competing against powerhouses Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, but they were optimistic the team should be able to win at least on medal.
This is the first Asian Games for 19-year old Mayouf although he has had boxing experience of six years. Al-Salem, 22, is more experienced with 10 years of fighting under his belt. Al-Mayouf and Al-Salem chorused friendly matches are very useful for them to gain a huge amount of experience and training camps abroad have been very beneficial as well.
“I enjoyed and believe this training camp is the best one ever I had since I joined the team because it was long and intensive,” said Mayouf.
Before the training camp and the participation in this Asiad, the boxers said they had an interesting awareness course that lasted about a month on the use of steroids and how it affects the body, not only in the near future but also in the future.
Al-Salem said “So now were are hopefully ready and fit for battle.”
Dr. Bandar Al-Saleem of the Saudi Boxing Federation said that as long as the players have knowledge about what is good for them and what is bad they are in the right direction. “They know now that taking vitamin C would not affect them while if they take some energy-boosting drinks they would be positive if tested,” he said. The players need to stay fit, he added, noting the majority of injuries that occur are unfortunately directed at the face, which cause scratches unlike the case with gymnastics where torn ligaments are common place.
The boxers praised the warm welcome given them by the hosts making their stay here feel like home away from home.
Coming in close encounter with people from other countries is a good way to learn from each other, said Al-Salim.
