Fatima Zahra makes history with Pakistan’s first boxing medal
Fatima Zahra creates history for Pakistan
Pakistan’s Fatima Zahra has achieved a major milestone in the country’s sporting history by guaranteeing a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
The 22-year-old boxer defeated New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson in the women’s 60kg quarter-final. She won the contest by a unanimous 5-0 decision.
All five judges gave the fight to Zahra, confirming her place in the semi-finals. The tournament rules mean both losing semi-finalists receive bronze medals.
That result guarantees Pakistan’s first-ever Commonwealth Games boxing medal in the women’s category. It also gives the country a breakthrough in women’s boxing.
Pakistan’s women’s boxing team made its international debut in 2016. Just around a decade later, Zahra has ensured that Pakistan will have a female boxer on the Commonwealth Games medal podium.
After her victory, Zahra said the achievement showed that Pakistan was making progress in boxing.
“We are developing in boxing, and this is a sign that we are moving in the right direction,” Fatima said after her victory. “This is our first step. We are hoping for the gold as well, and this medal will mean a lot for Pakistan boxing.”
Zahra now targets a place in the final
Zahra controlled much of her quarter-final from the opening bell and maintained pressure throughout the three-round contest.
Four judges scored the fight 29-28 in her favour, while the fifth judge gave her a 30-27 score. The clear result secured her progression into the last four.
Her next challenge will be Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh in Friday’s semi-final. The winner will advance to the gold medal bout.
For Zahra, the next fight offers an opportunity to turn a historic bronze guarantee into a chance for gold. A victory would take her into the Commonwealth Games final and bring Pakistan closer to a women’s boxing title.
Her achievement is also significant because women’s boxing in Pakistan is still developing. The guaranteed medal could provide greater attention to the sport and encourage more young athletes to take up boxing.
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Pakistan faces setbacks in other events
While Zahra delivered a major success, Pakistan’s men’s boxing campaign ended after Qudratullah was eliminated in the 60kg competition.
Qudratullah faced Northern Ireland’s Jude Gallagher, the reigning Commonwealth Games 57kg champion. Gallagher controlled the opening round and received the support of all five judges.
Qudratullah was also deducted a point in the second round after repeatedly lowering his head. He attempted to recover during the final round but could not close the gap.
Gallagher eventually won by split decision, ending Pakistan’s remaining challenge in men’s boxing.
Pakistan also faced disappointing results in athletics and swimming during the Games. Mohammad Ismail finished 41st among 46 runners in the men’s 400m heats.
Ismail recorded a time of 50.60 seconds but could not qualify for the semi-finals. The result ended his campaign in the event.
Swimmer Hamza Asif also failed to advance in the men’s 50m butterfly heats. He finished 46th among 70 competitors with a time of 26.09 seconds.
