Olympian boxer Babar Ali Khan passes away

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan’s boxing community is mourning the loss of one of its greatest heroes, Olympian Babar Ali Khan, who passed away at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness on Friday at Al-Shifa Hospital in Lahore.
The national hero had been suffering from severe kidney complications for several days and was awaiting urgent assistance due to financial difficulties.
Born on August 5, 1963, Babar Ali Khan made his mark in Pakistan’s sports history by representing the country in the bantamweight category at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He also won a silver medal at the 1982 Asian Games and later served as a boxing coach and ambassador in Pakistan.
Despite his illustrious career, Babar Ali Khan spent his final days in hardship. Fellow Olympians, coaches, and officials from across the country had appealed to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister of Punjab and the Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination for financial and medical support, but no response was received before his death.
In a joint statement, the national boxing community said, “He was a legend who raised Pakistan’s flag at every level.”
His funeral prayers were held in Ichhra after which he was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard. A large number of grieving family members, fellow athletes, and fans attended the funeral. His passing has sent a wave of sorrow through the Pakistani sports world and has reignited demands for a structured welfare system for retired athletes.