Boxer Fatima Zahra has confirmed Pakistan’s first medal at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.
She reached the -60 kg semifinals after beating Algeria’s Hamda Melissa by a 5–0 decision in the quarterfinals, which guarantees at least a bronze.
Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) secretary Major Irfan Younis said Fatima is in “great form,” calling her a hardworking athlete whose efforts are now paying off.
He added that the camp is hopeful for another strong performance in the semifinal.
Fatima is from Sargodha and serves as a Pakistan Army athlete.
She began boxing in 2018, has been national champion for four years in her weight class, and has previously represented Pakistan at the Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers.
In the quarterfinal, she dominated the first round with all five judges scoring it in her favor.
In the second round, four judges again sided with her, while one favored Melissa.
The third round was also clean for Fatima, sealing the 5–0 verdict.
PBF sent four boxers to the event. Maria Rind (51 kg) and Laura Djida Akram (67 kg) exited in the quarterfinals, while Qudratullah (55 kg) will start his campaign on Saturday.
The squad trained for three months at Army facilities under coach Nisar Lahori.
PBF officials noted that, at present, Pakistan’s women boxers have a stronger chance of winning medals internationally.
