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PBF plans fresh measures to promote women boxing

By Our Correspondent
April 30, 2026
Representational image of boxing gloves. — AFP/File
Representational image of boxing gloves. — AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: In a major push to strengthen women’s sports, the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) is taking measures to accelerate the growth of women’s boxing, develop new talent, and prepare female boxers for success at the international level.

PBF President Lt Col (R) Muhammad Nasir Ijaz Tung said the federation, with the backing of the Army, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), and other stakeholders, would launch further initiatives to provide quality training, better facilities, and greater global exposure to women boxers.

He said women’s boxing in Pakistan formally began in 2018 with the first-ever National Women’s Boxing Championship in Lahore, laying the foundation for the structured development of the sport. The momentum continued in 2022 with the first Inter-University Women’s Boxing Championship, which significantly widened the talent pool.

Nasir Tung added that national, provincial, and departmental competitions, along with participation in the National Games, had played a key role in expanding women’s boxing across the country. Highlighting Pakistan’s growing success on the world stage, he said Laura Akram won bronze at the World Championships, while Fatima Zahra secured Pakistan’s first-ever women’s boxing medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games. Ayesha Mumtaz, Malaika Zahid, and Maria also earned medals at Asian and international events in China.

He further said the federation had recently donated a standard boxing ring to Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) in collaboration with the POA to improve training facilities and encourage greater female participation.

Nasir Tung said women boxers are now being prepared through structured training and international exposure for upcoming global events, including the Commonwealth Games. He expressed confidence that with continued support from all stakeholders, the future of women’s boxing in Pakistan is bright.