Pakistan’s celebrated boxer Usman Wazeer has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir to assist him in obtaining a visa for his upcoming fight scheduled for February 2025.
Usman Wazeer was originally set to face Mexico’s Ramiro Garcia Lopez at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield on December 7. However, he was unable to secure a United Kingdom (UK) visa, despite prior consultations with the Foreign Office and the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.
Speaking about his ordeal, Usman Wazeer expressed disappointment over the lack of governmental backing.
“I applied for the visa for my next fight in the UK, but unfortunately, I have not been issued the visa yet. Despite reaching out to the Foreign Office and the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, there has been no resolution,” said Usman.
“Until today, I’ve received no assistance from the government—be it financial support, training, or diet. I’ve managed everything on my own. But now, I only request the government to help me obtain the visa. If you can’t support athletes in other ways, at least help us with visas,” he added.
The 23-year-old also criticized the often-repeated rhetoric about supporting the youth, urging authorities to take tangible steps rather than making hollow promises.
“You always say, ‘Youth is our identity, we will support them,’ but in reality, the youth is helpless. I hope this time the government will support us,” he concluded.
Beyond his personal plea, Usman Wazeer also urged the government to organize an international boxing event in Pakistan.
“I request you to hold an international boxing event in Pakistan, where I could compete in a title fight,” said Usman. “There are many talented youngsters, even better than me, who deserve recognition. Bringing them to the limelight will send a positive message to the world.”
