The Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, has called for an immediate independent inquiry into the tragic passing of Ubayd Haider, who was known as Nathan Singh, and the operations of the Boxing Commission. In his statement, Seruiratu emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of athletes in the inherently dangerous sport of boxing.
He pointed out that, although the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) initiated an investigation after Ubayd was left in a coma, it was insufficient. “What we need is an independent inquiry that examines not only the factors leading to his death but also scrutinizes the BCF’s operations and safety protocols,” he stated.
Seruiratu expressed grave concern over reports of the presence of epinephrine and needles in the warm-up area, underscoring that these issues warrant thorough investigation. He insisted that the Commission has a responsibility to Ubayd, his family, and the entire sporting community to ensure all safety protocols were adhered to and that every aspect of the incident is investigated comprehensively.
“An independent inquiry is crucial in bringing clarity and accountability to this tragedy, ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future,” he concluded.
This call for greater accountability highlights the pressing need for enhanced safety measures in contact sports, providing hope that necessary reforms will be implemented to protect athletes moving forward.
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