Interview with Mr. Shukhrat Danbay

Mr. Shukhrat Danbay – We dreamed about an Asian event and our goal realized in Pavlodar

Mr. Shukhrat Danbay is the President of the Pavlodar Regional Boxing Federation who is following all competition day at the ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships from the Astana Ice Palace. Mr. Danbay and his staff hosted many national and international events in Kazakhstan in the recent years but they decided to raise the level and now their dream came true, Pavlodar is the host city of a continental event where two boxers are representing also the region.

– Could you please tell me the reasons of the big boxing development of the Pavlodar region?

– This is an interesting question. I was boxing when I was young, and also competed in kickboxing while following my career I worked as a boxing coach. The result of my work is 2 World Kickboxing Champions: Aleksandr Khusainov (63 kg) and Aidar Dosmalganov (75kg). After I was appointed as a President of the Pavlodar Regional Boxing Federation I began a system here in our work. I think we are developing so fast, as I know boxing from the inside. When I started working as a President boxing was in very low level in the Pavlodar region. The last successful boxer from Pavlodar region was Mr. Azamat Makazhanov, who is now the Executive Director of the Pavlodar Regional Boxing Federation.

– What does it mean for you hosting the ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships in Pavlodar?

– Any international event within the region has a huge meaning for Pavlodar. Now this ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships is a superb possibility for the development of boxing in Pavlodar region. Spectators, fans and young athletes of my region have the opportunity to see the new level of boxing; they can learn different techniques and tactics from other countries. I think the athletes develop from competition to competition. The ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships is a great step in developing boxers and the sport as a whole in this region.

– Did you dream to host an Asian event some years ago? If yes, how does it feel it has realized?

– Yes, sure, I always dreamed of hosting an Asian Championships here in Pavlodar and now my dream came true. We have got a real holiday spirit, the whole region is very proud of our work holding this continental Championship.

– What were the main issues of the organization?

– We did not have any serious problems hosting this event as we have got international tournaments for the Prizes of Mr. Serik Konakbayev and we have very good organizing team. This is the reason why we did not have any issues in the preparation. We only gave enough financial background to the Local Organizing Committee and you can see the results now.

– What is your opinion about the level of the championships?

– The level of the Asian youth athletes is very high. I have been at the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Milan, Italy in 2009 and in comparison with that championship this event is very interesting. No simple bouts, athletes are very encouraged; we have seen very spectacular fights in Pavlodar.

– What do you expect from Kazakhstan and especially the two boxers who came from your region: Serik Temirzhanov and Ayatulla Takizhanov?

– The whole region, everyone from Pavlodar city, which means 350, 000 people, hoping both will be crowned in the event.