The Commission of Inquiry (COI) is seeking an extension of the investigation deadline concerning the tragic death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider. COI chairman Edwin Wainiqolo announced that an additional two weeks would be necessary to complete the inquiry, as key witnesses, including promoter Fred Chand and director Mohammed Shameem, have yet to be interviewed.
Wainiqolo mentioned that a scheduled interview with Shameem had to be postponed due to a prior commitment of the investigation team. The interview is now set to take place Monday via Zoom. He emphasized that the logistics of coordinating the interviews were challenging, especially with team members residing in different locations.
The COI intends to send formal correspondence to Chand’s lawyer, requesting a response within seven days. Should there be no response, the panel plans to proceed without Chand’s input. Wainiqolo is hopeful that the minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, will approve the requested 14-day extension, allowing for thorough and fair investigations.
From Vancouver, Shameem expressed his readiness for the interview but noted the rescheduling’s inconvenience. He also voiced concerns about blame being directed towards him by Adi Narayan, the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
Ubayd Haider suffered a collapse following a technical knockout in a match against Sydney-based boxer Runqi Zhou on October 26. Despite immediate medical attention and subsequent surgery, he did not recover and passed away on November 10.
This investigation holds significance not only for the boxing community but also for ensuring safety regulations and protocols are scrutinized to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The cooperation and thoroughness of the inquiry can serve as an impetus for enhancing the safety and health standards in combat sports in Fiji and beyond.
In summary, the investigation into Ubayd Haider’s death is ongoing, with efforts being made to gather necessary testimonies, reflecting the commitment towards transparency and accountability in sports organizations.
Leave a comment