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LAHORE: Commonwealth bronze medalist Fatima Zahra will be leading Pakistan’s podium hopes alongside other boxers – two male and one female -- at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (September 19 – October 4, 2026), marking the country’s smallest contingent in recent memory. Despite the reduced numbers, the team carries hopes of ending a medal drought that has stretched since 2014.
The squad is spearheaded by Fatima Zahra (60kg), Pakistan’s biggest medal prospect and women’s team lead. Zahra, born in Sargodha in 2004, made history at the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026, becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a boxing medal by clinching bronze in the 60kg category.
Her victory over New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson ended Pakistan’s 12-year wait for a Commonwealth boxing medal. Rising from humble beginnings, Zahra overcame financial struggles and family opposition to pursue boxing, idolizing India’s Mary Kom. “Fatima Zahra is our biggest hope. InshaAllah, she will deliver,” said Pakistan Boxing Federation Secretary Irfan Younis.
Joining her is Maria Rind (51kg), an Army athlete from Karachi’s Lyari — Pakistan’s famed boxing nursery. Listed as “Maria Maria” in the squad, she missed the Commonwealth Games due to resource constraints but now gets her first major Games opportunity, competing in the lightest women’s Olympic weight category.
On the men’s side, Sumama Rehman (55kg) is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most technically exciting boxers. He impressed at the Commonwealth Games despite losing to India’s Jadumani Singh Mandengbam.
