Fatima Zahra became Pakistan’s first female boxing medallist at the Commonwealth Games after winning bronze in the women’s 60kg event. The 22-year-old from Sargodha defeated New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson 5-0 in the quarterfinals before finishing third after a semifinal defeat.
Zahra described the achievement as an emotional moment. She said she cried after realizing that no Pakistani woman had previously won a Commonwealth Games medal in any sport.
However, her journey to the podium involved major financial and social challenges. Coming from a financially struggling family, Zahra said buying boxing gloves, shoes and other equipment often created difficulties at home.
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Her family also faced criticism from relatives and others over her decision to pursue boxing. As a result, they stopped her from training for about 18 months.
Despite the setback, Zahra returned to boxing at senior level. Her family later began supporting her career, while her coach continued to motivate her during international competitions.
Zahra now hopes her success will encourage more Pakistani women to pursue boxing and other sports. She also urged the government to support young athletes, particularly in Sargodha, where she believes significant boxing talent remains untapped.
She said better facilities and greater government attention could help young boxers develop their skills and represent Pakistan internationally.
Zahra’s achievement marks an important moment for women’s boxing in Pakistan. Her story also highlights how determination and support can help athletes overcome financial and social barriers.
