Teenage Jordanian boxer Rashed Al-Swaisat has died in hospital more than a week after he sustained a brain injury at the International Boxing Association (AIBA) world youth championships in Poland.
The 19-year-old Al-Swaisat was taken to hospital on April 16 where he underwent emergency brain surgery after he collapsed during the third round of his under-81 kg contest with Estonia’s Anton Winogradow.
“The knockout did not look serious after the punch and Rashed tried to stand up after that but he needed treatment in the hospital following the preliminary bout,” the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) said.
“He had a wonderful, smiley and open-minded personality and passing away in Poland before his 19th birthday… is still unbelievable for all of us. We will… never forget his positive attitude to boxing and to the whole life.”
According to ASBC, Al-Swaisat started boxing at the age of 13 in 2015, and quickly after two years, represented his country in the international stage.
The southpaw competed at the 2017 ASBC Asian Junior Boxing Championships in Puerto Princesa, Philippines where he reached the quarterfinals.
Al-Swaisat also competed at the 2019 Arab Youth Boxing Championships in Cairo, Egypt, where he likewise reached the welterweight quarterfinals, before eventually moving up to light heavyweight.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Rashed Al-Swaisat of Jordan, who had been admitted to hospital on April 16 further to his fight during the AIBA YWCHs,” AIBA said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team mates, to whom we offer our sincere condolences.”
The Jordanian Olympic Committee (JOC) also confirmed the news and offered condolences to the athlete’s family.
“The Jordan Olympic Committee expresses its deep sadness and pain at the death of the national boxing team player, Rashed Al-Swaisat, who passed away yesterday evening, Monday,” the JOC said in a statement on social media.
“The Jordanian Olympic Committee… extends sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.” – Rappler.com
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