Libyans begin boxing after three decades

After more than thirty years, Libyans are once again boxing, following the end of the Gaddafi rule that prevented boxers from taking part in both domestic and international competition.

The Ragab Okasha arena in Tripoli hosted a championship event that was organised by a boxing game committee under the Libyan Olympic committee.

The boxing ring that was used for the championship is about forty years old, and was kept hidden by a avid fan the Alhilal Benghazi club.

Various local clubs participated in the championship, hoping to one day compete on an international front.

Youssef Albernawy, a boxer from Alahly Benghazi, said: "I am very happy about this competition because boxing was abandoned for more than thirty years ago, so this is a big opportunity for us for the Libyan boxers to start playing again, and I think this is a first step for us to take part in a big competition and why not in the next Olympic Games in Brazil."