For many Ugandans, boxing is their national sport. The East African country has produced world-class fighters, but many of the toughest aren’t prepared to step into the ring with Bashir Ramathan even though he is blind. Boxing, a favourite sport and pastime in Uganda. These men, unable to find jobs, train hard all day, every day. Ramathan has boxed since he was a child, but unlike his sparring partners, he cannot see. He is Uganda’s only blind boxer, and his disability has only made him more determined. Bashir Ramathan, Blind Boxer, "You have to be a sportsman because if you sit, you just become again more disabled." Ramathan trains daily, starting in the morning with a two-kilometer run guided by one of his neighbors. He lost his sight 11 years ago, he doesn’t know exactly why because he’s never been able to afford good medical care. He says at first he became depressed, but then decided to start a new life, and return to his childhood passion. In the ring, his opponents wear a blindfold to make the game more equal. Ramathan’s coach, a seasoned boxer who has fought more than 200 matches worldwide, says it is hard to find men who’ll take him on. Hassan Khalil, boxing coach, "I tested about three boxers, I tried to cover there eyes, but most of them they say it’s hard for them, because you feel it’s dark!" Being blind has developed Ramathan’s other senses. He says he has learned to see with his ears listening in the ring for his opponents’ footsteps and the sound of their breath. His coach says those that dare to fight with him also develop their other senses and become much better boxers. Ramathan lives with his girlfriend and their two-year-old son in a hillside-slum near the boxing club. Because of his blindness, he’s not able to work. There is little support for blind people in Uganda.
For many Ugandans, boxing is their national sport. The East African country has produced world-clas...
