Malika Zahid, a rising star in Pakistan’s boxing arena, has defied convention and expectations to become the nation’s premier female boxer. Hailing from Quetta, the 19-year-old has captured the hearts of many with her journey from climbing trees and scaling walls as a child to dominating the boxing ring.
Born into a family deeply passionate about the sport, Malika’s early exposure to boxing came through her father, an avid fan who would passionately watch matches on his mobile phone. Despite initial hesitation from her mother, concerned for her daughter’s safety, Malika’s determination only grew stronger.
Her journey began at Ata Muhammad Kakar Boxing Club, where she quickly stood out as the only girl among boys, demonstrating her natural talent and dedication. “I saw my father’s enthusiasm for boxing and decided to pursue it myself,” Malika shared, reflecting on her early days of practice.
Malika’s path to success wasn’t without challenges. Despite facing skepticism and stares from others who doubted her abilities, she remained focused, fueled by unwavering support from her family. “My parents always emphasized education alongside sports,” she remarked proudly, having recently completed her first aid certification in engineering.
Her achievements in boxing speak volumes: a five-time national champion, Malika has consistently raised Pakistan’s profile internationally, winning accolades including multiple gold medals at provincial and national levels, and recognition as Pakistan’s Best Female Athlete.
Beyond the ring, Malika remains committed to breaking barriers. “I wear shorts and a vest like any male boxer; it’s not about gender but about the sport,” she emphasized, debunking stereotypes about Muslim women in sports.
Looking ahead, Malika envisions a future filled with milestones. “I aspire to become a professional boxer, and dream of competing in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games,” she shared eagerly, confident in her ability to inspire others and continue making history for Pakistan.
In her pursuit of excellence, Malika remains inspired by international boxers like Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis, whose dedication to the sport and recent conversions to Islam have further motivated her journey.
As Malika Zahid continues to shatter glass ceilings and carve her place in history, her story serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for aspiring athletes, particularly women, across Pakistan and beyond.
Malika Zehra, a five-time national boxing champion, expressed delight in representing Balochistan annually at the national level. Despite her dominance in her weight category over the past five years, she acknowledged her struggle on the international stage, having competed only once for Pakistan in 2022 at the Asian Youth and Boxing Championship in Jordan. She reflected on narrowly missing out on the semifinals, lamenting that with a slightly better outcome, she could have brought home a medal for Pakistan.
When asked about dress codes in international boxing platforms, Malika clarified that there are no strict regulations for Muslim female boxers, allowing them to wear shorts and vests. She emphasized the importance of protective gear such as gloves and headguards, which all boxers wear regardless of gender.
Malika proudly noted her record of defeating all women boxers in Pakistan, including Hazara and Lyari Karachi boxers, asserting there’s currently no female boxer in the country she desires to challenge. She expressed admiration for Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem, attributing her support to his roots in Quetta and fondness for his fighting style.
Born out of her family’s relocation due to her grandfather’s military service, Malika revealed her ties to Azad Kashmir despite now residing in Quetta. She shared aspirations influenced by American boxers Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis, the latter having recently converted to Islam.
Looking forward, Malika’s eyes gleamed with ambition as she outlined her dreams of becoming a professional boxer, aiming first for the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
Pakistani Female Boxer Malika Zahid: From Climbing Trees to National Champion
