Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, has called for an urgent independent inquiry into the tragic death of Ubayd Haider, formerly known as Nathan Singh, as well as the operations of the Boxing Commission.
Seruiratu emphasized the inherent risks associated with boxing but insisted that adequate measures must be in place to safeguard athletes. He noted that Ubayd was placed in a coma when the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) initiated an investigation, which he deemed insufficient on its own.
He advocated for a thorough independent inquiry to investigate not only the events leading to Ubayd’s death but also to critically assess the safety protocols and operations of the BCF. The presence of epinephrine and needles in the warm-up area raised serious concerns for him, necessitating a detailed examination.
Seruiratu stressed the importance of accountability, stating that the Commission owes it to Ubayd, his family, and the sporting community to ensure that every protocol was adhered to during the incident. He concluded that establishing an independent inquiry is essential for transparency, accountability, and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
This situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of safety in all sports, particularly contact sports like boxing. It highlights the need for ongoing evaluations of safety practices to protect athletes and instill confidence in the sporting community. As we await the outcomes of any inquiries, it’s hopeful that meaningful reforms can emerge, ultimately fostering a safer environment for athletes in the future.
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