Mr. Serik Konakbayev and the whole ASBC management wishes Happy Birthday to Kazakhstan’s boxing official Mr. Rafael Vakhitov

The President of the Asian Boxing Confederation and Vice-President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Mr. Serik Konakbayev, furthermore the whole ASBC management wishes Happy Birthday to Kazakhstan’s legendary coach Mr. Rafael Vakhitov who is celebrating his 90th birthday today.
Mr. Rafael Vakhitov is a honoured coach of the Kazakh SSR, whose name is associated with the history of the formation and development of the Pavlodar boxing school. Since 1976, Mr. Vakhitov is a key figure of physical culture and sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, his coaching experience is about 60 years.
Over the period of work in the Pavlodar region, he trained over 30 masters of sports, three masters of sports of international class. Along with this, Mr. Vakhitov prepared 18 champions of Kazakhstan, nine winners of the Central Council of the WSSO “Labour Reserves”, 15 winners of USSR Cup and international tournaments. Being a true mentor, he worked as a senior coach of the Central Council of the WSSO “Labour Reserves”, he prepared the national team of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
His character was tempered in the harsh ‘40s. At the height of the WWII, he was still a boy as a machinist, was a cadet of the air fleet, and even drove ships. At the same time, he coached the regimental command.
In 1980 under his leadership the children’s and youth club “Boxing gloves” was created, where the leading sportsmen of the region and the republic received their primary education. Mr. Vakhitov, despite his age, was invited to teach at the Pavlodar State University. S. Toraigyrov. In 2009, with the recognition of the pedagogical and sporting merit of him he was awarded with the academic title of professor of the university. In Pavlodar State University was opened a sports hall named after Mr. Rafael Vakhitov.
“In 85 years, life is just a beginning”– jokes famous coach, the legend of national sports Rafael Vakhitov. In his old ages he remained the acting coach, and every day he spends his time in the ring.