Pakistan’s rising boxing sensation Fatima Zahra has made the nation proud by securing its first medal at the ongoing 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after storming into the semifinals of the women’s -60 kg category.
The 27-year-old from Sargodha delivered a commanding performance against Algeria’s Hamda Melissa, winning the quarterfinal bout 5–0 to guarantee herself at least a bronze medal—Pakistan’s first confirmed podium finish at the event.
Fatima’s dominance in the ring was evident from the start. She outclassed her opponent with crisp jabs and superior footwork in the opening round.
Despite Melissa’s late aggression, the Pakistani pugilist maintained her composure, taking the second and third rounds comfortably to seal a clean sweep victory.
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Fatima, who began boxing in 2018, has steadily built her reputation as Pakistan’s most consistent female boxer. She has been the national champion in her weight class for four consecutive years, represented the country at the Asian Games, and participated in Olympic qualifiers.
Pakistan has sent 55 athletes to this year’s Islamic Solidarity Games to compete in several disciplines, including Athletics, Wushu, Swimming, Boxing, Fencing, Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, and Wrestling.
Fatima’s semifinal schedule will be announced soon, but one thing is certain—she’s already made history. As Pakistan’s first medallist of the Games, Fatima Zahra’s gloves have punched open the door for a new generation of women in Pakistani boxing.
