Death of young boxer Sweissat sparks outpouring of grief, anger

AMMAN — The death of Rashid Sweissat, a member of the national youth boxing team has prompted an outpouring of grief and anger from Jordanians.

Sweissat died on Monday evening as a result of an injury he incurred during his fight on April 16 as part of the World Youth Championship held in the Polish city of Kalsi.

HRH Prince Feisal, president of the Jordan Olympic Committee, as well as members of the board of directors and the Jordanian sports family mourned the passing of Sweissat.

Jordanians took to social media to convey their condolences.

However, several people expressed their outrage and concern about the sudden death and the violent nature of the sport on social media platforms, calling for a thorough investigation into Sweissat's death.

Writer and political analyst Yasser Al Zaatreh criticised boxing as a sport.

"I have repeatedly written against this sport called boxing, a game which involves great risks. Many died or were badly injured because of this sport, like this young Jordanian, Rashid Sweissat, may his soul rest in peace,” Zaatreh tweeted in Arabic.

Nesreen Dwairi, a twitter user, called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

“Was the Boxing Association certain that the player was suitable and ready for the championship, and did the match's referee move at the appropriate time? Investigations cannot sometimes resolve all questions; however, they must be carried out,” she tweeted in Arabic.

On their Facebook page, Al Baqaa Club declared its resignation from the Jordan Boxing Association and the withdrawal of the club's representative, in protest of the boxer’s death and the union's “failure” to hold the Kingdom's Championship for Youth, Juniors and Men, among other reasons.