Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem is planning to take part in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

From 2006 to 2014, Waseem was a top amateur for his counter, with medals in the Commonwealth Games and a bronze in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games in the flyweight category.

He planned to represent Pakistan in the 2016 Rio Olympics but local authorities failed to provide him the necessary training. The various problems forced him to switch over to the pro ranks.

“Yes, I intend to play in the 2024 Paris Olympics. It’s my desire to represent the country in the Olympics and win a medal for it,” Waseem told ‘The News.’ 

“Firstly, I have set my eyes on the world title in professional boxing. Once I secure that milestone then I will go to defend it two times. And after that I will switch over to amateur and one year of top preparation can land me in the Paris Games."

“Pakistan’s boxing needs a sort of life and motivation as it is passing through the worst patch of its history. I want to give something to the country at the Olympics stage also. I have a lot of experience and winning a medal in the Olympics will not be an issue for me.

“I also had in mind to try to feature in the Tokyo Olympics but Covid and other issues came up and I dropped that idea. I still can play in the Olympics as I am not so old and will instil a new life in the country’s boxing. Once I switch over to amateur, I will try to go to America for training. America is a good place for training. I have the experience of training there,” said Waseem, who missed a spot in the 2012 London Games when he fell in the quarter-finals of the Asian Qualifiers in Astana.

Waseem (11-1, 9 KOs) has had a single fight since 2019, a TKO win back in December.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he's been unable to do a lot of traveling to prepare or secure fights.

“It’s really an issue as the COVID wasted a lot of my time,” Waseem said.

“I am working hard and plan to get vaccinated before leaving for a training destination whatsoever it will be. Glasgow is my training zone but let’s see what happens as there are restrictions and problems are there regarding movement. I will try my level best to return to the ring as soon as possible."