KARACHI: Sialkot, which was already a leader in the manufacturing of sports goods, has now entered anther arena i.e. the race to manufacture boxing and martial arts goods and already achieved a prominent position there. Products used in the field of boxing and martial arts have begun to be exported from Pakistan to major countries of the world.
Shayan Ahmad Bajwa, a young exporter from Sialkot and marketing director of Jan Pak Industries, told the media that all the products used in manufacturing including boxing uniforms, punching bags, speed ball, boxing gloves, focus pads, Mix Martial Arts accessories, gym accessories and other items are produced in Sialkot and exported world over. They are being sold under the tag of made in Pakistan. He said that track suits are also being manufactured in Sialkot and our company has introduced its own brand of track suits.
These track suits have been exported to UK, Canada, UAE, USA and other countries.
He further said that in view of the growing demand for boxing and martial arts products, the industry in both the sectors has started growing rapidly and about 15 to 20 companies in Sialkot have started large scale manufacturing of these boxing and martial arts goods. Products are being exported while innumerable small companies are also involved in this business, vendor industry is also growing and generating employment and 25 percent of the jobs in the outdoor manufacturing industry are linked to boxing and martial arts industry. He said that Pakistani-born British boxer Aamir Khan has set up a boxing academy in Pakistan where boxing is being taught on a large scale. The scope of boxing is increasing and the interest of the youth is also increasing. China and Thailand are notable among the rival countries of Pakistan in terms of product quality used in boxing and Pakistan is also given top priority of producing quality goods.
He said Aamir Khan has become a favourite boxer for youngsters all over the world, including Pakistan, because Pakistani youth made Aamir Khan their ideal boxer.
On the other hand, the youth have also taken a step in the field of martial arts include a large number of women who are learning the art of martial arts for their own protection.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021