DOHA (Qatar): The popularity of boxing has seen a significant growth in the country after Doha hosted the AIBA World Chmpionships in 2015 as most parents are now pushing their kids to pursue the sport as a career.
Leading these group of youngsters is Hozam Nabah, Qatar’s Asian Games bronze medalist in 2006.
Hozam, who had won a bronze in light heavyweight category at the Doha Asiad, trains the young boxers at the Al Jumailiya Youth Centre, awarded as the best boxing school in Qatar by the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) recently.
A total of 13 cadets including Hamid Ibrahim, Khaled Adel Sherif, Saeed Al Khayrin, Adam Ala Abu Kadijah, Abdullah Ala Abu Kadija, Abdulrahman Loay Abu Kadijah, Yousef Loay Abu Kadijah, Omar Loay Abu Kadijah, Jihad Loay Abu Kadija, Mshari Rashid Al Saidi, Ameen Noor, Mahmoud Abu Al Hawa, Jihad Eisa Abu Kadijah are undergoing intense training.
Brothers Adam Ala Abu Kadijah, 12, and Abdullah Ala Abu Kadija, 10, looked promising with their powerful punches and nimble footwork.
“The brothers have a very good technique and they love boxing. Their family supports and motivates them a lot,” Hosam told www.khelupdates.com.
The 38-year-old Hosam said he has now completely focused on coaching to develop and produce boxers.
“I’ve enjoyed every bit of my career as a boxer. It’s always a proud feeling to represent Qatar. Coaching is a different ball game and I want to take up the challenge,” added Hozam, who has been associated at the head coach at Al Jumeliya Youth Centre since 2018.
Tyson fans
Adam and Abdullah have a strong liking for for former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The brothers love the sport, but their mother Alba Mohammed Sobuh initially had apprehensions since it’s a body-contact sport.
“I was against boxing in the beginning. After my husband convinced me, I became a little relaxed. Even my sons were scared of facing their opponents earlier, but we found a good coach in Hosam. It was a blessing for my children as they’re are much confident now,” said Alba.
Adam and Abdallah have mutual respect for each other’s skills.
“In speed and power, he (Adam) will definitely beat me but he can’t overcame me due to my technique,” said Abdullah.
Asked why he pushed his sons to boxing, Ala Jihad Abu Kadijah said, “I have over 15 boxers in my family. The sport helps to build personality besides it’s a self-defence sport and I have been into it for all my life. So I love boxing.”
