Pakistan sends boxers to Russia in bid for Doha gold

LAHORE, Nov 14 (Reuters) Pakistan authorities are hoping a three-week training stint in southern Russia will help their boxers strike gold at next month's Asian Games in Doha.

The Pakistan Amateur Boxing Federation has sent 13 boxers to train with Russian boxers in Dagistan, secretary Shakeel Durrani told Reuters today.

''The boxers are training under top coaches and professional sparring partners in tough conditions,'' Durrani said.

''We are confident these preparations will help improve our performance in the Asian Games boxing competition this time.'' The federation is also awaiting a decision on two of their main medal hopes, Faisal Karim and Mehrullah Lasi, who tested positive in a dope test in the South Asian Games held in Colombo in August.

Mehrullah won a gold in the last Asian Games in Busan in 2002.

''Their hearing is on November.16. If they are cleared they will go to Doha,'' Durrani said.

The boxers sent to Dagistan include main hopes, Asghar Ali Shah, Mir Waiz and Nauman Karim who won bronze in the last world boxing championships.

REUTERS SAM PM1527