ISLAMABAD: Senior officials from Pakistan and Kazakhstan held a joint press conference at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad on Tuesday to highlight the ongoing Pakistan-Kazakhstan International Boxing Coaching and Athlete Development Clinic, calling it a landmark step in bilateral sports cooperation.

Kazakhstan Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin and Pakistan Boxing Federation President Muhammad Nasir Ijaz Tung addressed the media alongside other senior officials.

The clinic is the first major activity under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Pakistan Boxing Federation and the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation in early 2026.

PBF President Tung, speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, said the clinic's primary aim is to upgrade Pakistan's coaching capacity rather than focus solely on athletes.

"The main focus of this clinic is to train our trainers, so that we have better-trained trainers,” Tung said, adding that they should be aware of the “latest international techniques, tactics, and strategies” for athlete development so that they can implement the “same on our athletes and groom them in a better way.”

This way, he said, they can go and compete more effectively at the international level."

Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin used the press conference to underline Kazakhstan's interest in deepening ties with Pakistan through sport.

The ambassador, speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, stated that Kazakhstan is keen to "expand cooperation" with Pakistan across various fields.

"We believe that sports diplomacy can play a vital role in strengthening ties between our two nations and can greatly contribute to enhancing people-to-people contacts," he said.

The six-day clinic, running from June 15 to 20, brings together national-level top-ranked Pakistani boxers and coaches from across the country.

Experienced international coaches from Kazakhstan are conducting the sessions, covering modern coaching techniques, tactical training, and physical preparation.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at preparing Pakistani boxers for the Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Olympic qualification events.

They expressed confidence that the collaboration would raise boxing standards in Pakistan and open the door to future coaching exchanges and joint training camps.

Pakistan Sports Complex

Pakistan, Kazakhstan sports officials highlight boxing coaching clinic