The UAE has always been a melting pot of cultures, bringing people together from all parts of the world for tourism, employment opportunities and at times to escape the political and social turbulence of one’s own country.
The Ahmadi brothers were just some of the people who left their home in Kabul, Afghanistan, a year ago so that they could exercise their passion for boxing in a safe environment.
Hasibullah Ahmadi, 18, and Ahmad Siar Ahmadi, 13, are two of three brothers, who are all heavily involved with Round10 boxing club. Hasib started boxing in Kabul at the age of 12, while Ahmad started just six months ago after being inspired by his older brother, saying with a beaming smile that he simply wants to be a champion.
“I was training to be boxer in Afghanistan, but as you know there is a war going on there so I moved here about one year ago,” the teenager told Sport360°.
“The resources we have got in Afghanistan are great for amateur boxing, but here in Dubai we are being trained for professional fight.”
He added: “I have seen a massive improvement in my style and technique ever since I started training here. The quality of the facility here is incomparable and I have the opportunity to train in a multinational environment which has taught me a lot about new skills and given me more experience.”
The boys live with their family in Ajman and though they don’t find any element of the sport challenging, their biggest hardship has been enduring the long and gruelling commute from their home to their gym in Dubai.
However, Hasib lauded the community in Round10 and their fellow gym-goers for carpooling with them. “For me, boxing isn’t hard. It’s just the fact that we live in Ajman and the commute from there to the gym is really exhausting,” he said.
“We are very lucky that our friends in the gym help us out but for me that’s the only difficult part.” Even though Ahmad is still relatively new to the sport, he has already made a name for himself on the amateur front as he rides a three-fight winning streak.
On the other hand, Hasib has got 20 amateur fights under his belt already, and after making his professional debut this year, the talented teenager already has three wins to his name.
The brothers have got big things in the pipeline for the year ahead, with Ahmad focused on training so he can make his professional debut, while Hasib has already signed up for more professional fights.
“Now I have three professional fights on my record that I have won so far,” said Hasib. “In 2019, I have six or seven fights lined up and then in 2020, I will be fighting for the belt.”
