THE parents of Britain’s teenage boxing sensation almost missed the chance to watch him stake a claim for Olympic immortality until The Times stepped in.
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Amir Khan, 17, is guaranteed a bronze in the lightweight boxing and stands two bouts from becoming the youngest Olympic boxing champion for 52 years.
His family, who flew to Greece yesterday from their home in Bolton, will be at the ringside to watch him in action, although British Olympic officials would not provide them with tickets for the big fight.
Khan’s mother, Falak Khan, 39, agreed to travel to Athens with his brother and his two sisters because he was desperate for them to join his father to see the biggest few days of his life. However, the British Olympic Association (BOA)said that it could not provide tickets, flights or hotel rooms.
After learning that they faced the prospect of watching tomorrow’s semi-final on television in a shabby hotel, The Times came to the rescue by buying semi-final and final seats for the entire family.
Mrs Khan revealed yesterday that her son was first introduced to boxing to stop him fighting at his primary school. “His father sent him to boxing lessons because he was hyperactive and kept getting into trouble at school.”
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He was soon collecting the first of a string of victories which culminated in the world junior title last year.
Khan, whose family came to Britain from Pakistan in 1970, remains acutely aware of his status as a role model for young Asians. “I feel English through and through and I’m proud to wear the British vest,” he said.
Phillip Pope, spokesman for the association, said that it was not the BOA’s business to look after athletes’ families. “Our responsibility is just to fly our athletes and officials out to the Games,” he said.
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