An investigation is set to take place regarding the incident involving featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider, who collapsed following his fight on Saturday and is currently in critical condition at Lautoka Aspen Hospital. Haider sustained a head injury, underwent surgery on Sunday, and remains in a coma in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka made this information public yesterday and intends to consult with Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru about the case. Gavoka emphasized the importance of caution when it comes to contact sports like boxing.
“We need to be careful in our preparations and understand the rules and risks involved,” he stated. “Proper precautions are vital. This individual is dehydrated, and dehydration can lead to the collapse of the entire system, especially when receiving impacts during a match. This must be taken seriously.”
Gavoka plans to direct the Minister for Sports to investigate the situation further. “Such incidents should not occur; strict regulations are necessary to protect athletes. Boxing is a demanding sport and the safety protocols must be rigorously enforced,” he added.
During the fight, Haider suffered a ninth-round TKO (technical knockout) loss against Australia’s Runqi Zhou in their IBO (International Boxing Organisation) Asia Pacific featherweight title bout held at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park.
Sports icon and event chief guest Sonny Bill Williams expressed his support through prayers. “I know the Singh brothers well,” he remarked. “We hope for Haider’s recovery. His condition is still uncertain, around 50-50 at this moment. After the fight, we went to the hospital to provide support to his family, including his mother, brother, and wife.”
“Haider is in our daily prayers and we are hoping for his full recovery. We will need to wait and see how things develop,” Williams continued.
Haider’s wife, Helen, has requested that the public respect their privacy during this challenging time. “They are monitoring him closely over the next 48 to 72 hours. He remains in a coma, and only immediate family members are permitted to visit,” she noted.
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