After losing parents to COVID-19, Obaid turns to boxing and wins bout in Dubai
- 23 Dec 2020
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The world has been shaken to the core by the coronavirus pandemic. Each one of us has felt the impact of the 2020 crisis to some extent. Many are still reeling under the crisis while few turned despair into hope. Obaid Amaduddin lost both his parents to COVID-19 in Dubai in June 2020, which changed his life upside down.
This loss was more than Obaid could bear, and he found no light at the end of tunnel. The tragedy pushed Obaid into depression.
Turning depression into hope, Obaid won a boxing title in Dubai recently after being recommended to pick up a sport to help channelise all the negative energy.
Obaid enrolled himself in kick-boxing, and it proved to be life-transforming. Within a week, he and his sisters could see the positive changes within them.
It brought consistency and discipline into his life. Focusing completely on training hard, Obaid got selected to compete in the Ringside Rampage event backed by PBA (Professional Boxing Association).
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Obaid had his first fight in JW Marriot Marquis organised by PBA and the Ring side gym global. He fought against Palash who represented a gym from Sharjah. He won the bout by unanimous decision after landing few more tough jabs in the third round.
He did not just win the match but also gave hope and courage to many youngsters out there who are fighting mental health problems. Obaid dedicated the victory to his parents and had a message for all “don’t give up and keep fighting.”
“There was a lot of uncertainty and distress in my life when I lost my parents to coronavirus. My whole life was shattered into pieces. I am blessed to have a big family with sisters who made sure we are together in this difficult situation. Everyone played their part and I was offered counselling, therapy and a sport to pick."
“I enrolled to kick-boxing as that was my first choice. Within a week of starting this programme, I could see changes in my behaviour. My family noticed and encouraged me to spend more time in training. Finally, their efforts paid off as I won my first bout,” said Obaid.
Dial A Battery sponsored his bout. “I was fortunate to be supported by Dial A Battery, who sponsored my fight. I am very thankful to them for supporting me as this fight was dedicated to my parents and to all the young people out there who are fighting mental health related problems,” said Obaid.
“This depression could have eaten me up but I chose to be positive and recharge my life to honor my lost parents. I know seeing me positive and happy, my parents will be happy too,” he added.
“Dial A Battery was founded on the very values of easing the struggles of people, rescuing them when they are stuck because of a “dead battery.” And in these tough times, we have strived to stand by those who find themselves stuck in life and are trying to fight back.
“We have been privileged to have sponsored Obaid at the Ringside Rampage event,” said Tahir Ali, operations manager Dial A Battery.
