Pakistani Boxer Fatima Zahra secured the first medal for the country at the ongoing 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
After defeating Algerian opponent Hamda Melissa, Fatima successfully qualified for the -60 kg semifinals.
She confirmed a bronze medal for Pakistan after securing her place among the last four participants. She will receive a medal even if she loses the next match.
“Our medal is confirmed, she has been very humble and has represented Pakistan, but now she is really performing better than before, she is in a great form,” Pakistan Boxing Federation secretary Major Irfan Younis told the private media channel. “She is a very hard-working athlete, and finally her efforts are paying off. She has confirmed the bronze medal with this win.
“We are hoping for great results in the semifinal as well.”
According to Major Irfan, Fatima is from Sargodha, and she is an Army athlete. Major Irfan confirmed that Fatima starts her career as a boxing player in 2018.
According to multiple media reports, Sana had represented Pakistan at the Asian Games and the Olympic qualifiers.
She firmly strengthened her position as the leading female boxer of the country, as she is a top-ranked boxer in her weight class for the last four years.
Fatima defeated her Algerian opponent on Thursday night and got 10 points from the jury in the first round.
In the second round, Fatima’s opponent Milssa, got 10 points from one judge. However, of the five judges, three gave Fatima nine points, and the other judges gave Fatima full points.
Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) sent four boxers to take part in the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. Maria Rind was also a participant, and she lost in the women’s 51 kg quarterfinal after a tough match.
The United Kingdom-based Laura Djida Akram was also representing Pakistan. She also lost her quarterfinal in the 67 kg match.
The fourth participant was Qudartullah. According to media reports, Qudrat will fight on Saturday in the 55 kg men’s quarterfinal.
