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September 10, 2004

Mohini isn't the only Desi Olympic medalist

I am surprised to not see too much floating around in the blogosphere on 17 year-old British Desi Amir Khan's success in winning a silver medal at the recent Athens Olympics in Boxing. The BBC has published an in-depth piece on Amir, who is of Pakistani descent, and his biographical information. It makes for an interesting read.
Now, Britain's youngest Olympic boxer since Colin Jones in 1976 is firmly in the spotlight. That Khan is his country's only fighter makes the glare even brighter. But if he is feeling the strain, the graduate of Bury Amateur Boxing Club is keeping it well hidden. "I don't feel any added pressure. I'm just going to box like I normally do," he said. "All the media attention I'm getting is brilliant, it's everyone's dream at my age. All my mates are buzzing about it and everyone from school and college is proud of me. "I'm only 17 and it's an experience for me. At the next Olympics I'll be a lot more mature, a lot stronger and I'll also have a lot more pressure on me because I'll be tipped for gold." Refreshingly self-aware, Khan also realises the significance of his Pakistani background and what his appearance in a British vest could do for race relations. "Asians are thin on the ground in British teams and it's a big thing for me to get a medal," he said. "I hope it could push a lot of Asians into sport and show that, with the support of your family, as an Asian you can get anything you want."
And in other Amir Khan news, the BBC has announcedthat the 17 year old silver medalist will be the youngest contestant ever to feature in the BBC sports show Superstars, which is being filmed in Spain this month.

sajit on September 10, 2004 04:42 PM in · T·r·a·c·k·b·a·c·k address · Direct link · Email post



10 comments

 1 · Bilal on May 15, 2005 11:04 AM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Cool, Amir, you really know how to show the asian community how to stand out and become the best. I was wondering, could u get in touch with me sumtime, only, I want some advice on boxing as I want to start learning it. I'm 14 yet, and I'm really inspired by your work. Thanks a bunch!


 2 · Ananthan on May 15, 2005 07:28 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

he's gone pro now

Like British boxing's last young superstar Prince Naseem Hamed, Khan is a stylist who packs a hefty whack - a headline-grabbing combination.

And like the Prince in his pomp, Khan clearly revels in celebrity, exuding a charm which appeals to hardcore boxing fans and grandmas alike.


 3 · jess on July 7, 2005 01:12 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

i think amir is a brill person iv bin watchin him a few times n i find it reali interestin.gd luk amirXxX


 4 · Gauhar on July 26, 2005 03:17 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

i'm trying to get in touch amir. all attempts have been unsuccessful. probably i'll c u at loughborough but hopefully u will get in touch b4 then. i 1st heard about amir at my boxing. so really and truly i knew about amir b4 the world olympics


 5 · Hannah on September 11, 2005 01:19 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

Amir is an amazing boxer i would love to meet him one day he did brill at the olympics all the best to him. Good luck Amir i love you xx


 6 · Bernard Ameyaw on September 21, 2005 12:46 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

I am a music producer and entertainer who performs hip hop music. I read the resent article about how Amir was looking for a better song like LLcoolJs mamma said knock you out. To come out to in the ring. I have produced a song which will spark a lot of interest. I am in the process of signing a record deal, I produce arrange, write, mix and master all my own music. The tune I have produced is excellent for Amir. As it is a boxing track pure and pure. I am looking to produce a music video for this song and would like Amir to listen to the song and see if he likes it. We would then give him permission to use this song in future fights. He could even feature in the music video. If you could pass this on to Amir or his agent. I think it would be in both of our interests.


 7 · seema on November 17, 2005 08:06 AM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

i am your biggest fan ever and i'm also doing a biography on you in school. i hope you win all your matches! i really wanna know your adress! gud luk!! seema aged 12.


 8 · Saad_da_g on January 7, 2006 10:53 AM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

yo all u gat a admit AMIR KHAN da DON at boxin u cant arguee wid dat. gat POW POW POW POW POW POW YEAH


 9 · Saad_da_g on January 7, 2006 10:56 AM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

YO AMIR I DO TAI BOXIN BUT I AM UR BBBBIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTT PAKISTANI FAN. KEPP DA STREAKS GOIN. AND DONT FORGET BE PROUD TO BE A PAKISTANI


 10 · xXxLiLxXxPrInCeSsxXx on January 9, 2006 06:16 PM · Direct link · “Quote”(?)

keep it up amir coz we all kno u can b britans best boxer if u keep da gud work up
and all girls r mad over u coz dey think dat ure reely fit but dey r rite in a way just wanna sey 1 ov ma m8 saw u at birmingham arena an she sed u luked nice shes ure biggest fan eva
p.s. keep all da gud work up an get sum gud shots
luv u
xxsarahxx


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