Fatima Zahra punches Pakistan’s first medal at Islamic Solidarity Games

Pakistan’s rising boxing star Fatima Zahra secured the country’s first medal at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games after storming into the semifinals of the women’s 60kg category in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 27-year-old from Sargodha outclassed Algeria’s Hamda Melissa in the quarterfinal on Thursday night, recording a dominant 5-0 victory to guarantee herself at least a bronze medal, according to the results shared by the ISG on its Instagram.

Her win ensured Pakistan’s first confirmed podium finish at the ongoing event.

Zahra showcased her superior technique throughout the bout, impressing all five judges in each round except one in the second. With crisp jabs, agile footwork, and controlled aggression, she kept her Algerian opponent on the defensive from start to finish.

The national champion, who began boxing in 2018, has been Pakistan’s most consistent female boxer, holding the national title in her division for four consecutive years. She has also represented the country at the Asian Games and in Olympic qualifiers.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s Maria Rind was beaten 5-0 by Turkiye’s Rabia Topuz, while compatriot Laura Djida Akram suffered the same scoreline against her Uzbek opponent.

Meanwhile, Qudrat Ullah will begin his campaign in the men’s 55kg quarterfinal on Saturday against Palestine’s Yousif Hassa Othman.

Pakistan has sent a 55-member contingent to the Games, which run from November 7 to 21 in Riyadh, featuring competitions in athletics, wushu, swimming, boxing, fencing, ju-jitsu, karate, taekwondo, table tennis, and wrestling.