From a Roadside BBQ Stall in Sargodha to Glasgow Glory: Fatima Zahra Secures Pakistan’s First Women’s Commonwealth Games Boxing Medal
Glasgow: Pakistani boxer Fatima Zahra has created history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to secure a medal in boxing at the Commonwealth Games, guaranteeing at least a bronze after reaching the semi-finals of the women’s event.
The captain of Pakistan’s women’s boxing team defeated Jordan Wilson of New Zealand by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the quarter-finals, earning a place in the semi-finals. Under Commonwealth Games boxing rules, all semi-finalists are guaranteed at least a bronze medal.
Fatima, who hails from Sargodha, Punjab, will now face Canada’s Maryam Al Mahdiya in the semi-final. A victory will secure at least a silver medal, while a defeat will still leave her with bronze.
Inspired by Mary Kom
Before leaving for Glasgow, Fatima drew inspiration from Indian boxing legend Mary Kom, a six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist. She watched the biographical film on Mary Kom and dreamed of achieving a historic milestone for Pakistan.
Dominant Performances
Fatima began her campaign with an impressive victory over Raleboh Segioti of Lesotho, forcing an early stoppage before the end of the second round through relentless attacking boxing.
She then produced another outstanding performance against New Zealand’s experienced boxer Jordan Wilson, using superior speed, technique, and endurance to outscore her opponent over three rounds. All five judges awarded the contest to the Pakistani boxer.
A Journey of Determination
Fatima’s rise to international success has been marked by determination and sacrifice. She is the second of seven siblings and the daughter of Saqib Noor, a Class-IV employee at the District Teaching Hospital in Sargodha.
To support the family and finance his daughters’ sporting ambitions, Saqib Noor worked at a roadside barbecue stall after his regular job. Fatima and her elder sister Dua Zahra, herself a national boxing champion, often helped prepare food and manage the stall before attending boxing training.
Despite financial hardships and social criticism, their father remained committed to supporting his daughters’ sporting dreams.
From First Defeat to National Champion
Fatima started boxing in 2018 under coach Raheel Adnan. Although she lost her first competitive bout, she never gave up and went on to dominate the national circuit.
She has won eight consecutive national titles between 2021 and 2025, represents the Pakistan Army, and also claimed a bronze medal at the 2025 Riyadh Islamic Solidarity Games.
Coach Raheel Adnan said Fatima trains seven to eight hours every day, including holidays, and described her as one of Pakistan’s most hardworking athletes.
A Historic Achievement for Pakistan
Fatima Zahra’s medal is Pakistan’s first Commonwealth Games boxing medal in 12 years and marks a historic milestone for women’s boxing in the country.
Pakistan Boxing Federation officials praised her achievement, saying it demonstrates how talent, determination, and perseverance can overcome limited resources. They expressed confidence that with better facilities and professional support, Fatima Zahra has the potential to win many more international medals for Pakistan in the years ahead.
