A Pakistani schoolgirl from Sargodha, Ayesha Mumtaz, has secured a medal at the ongoing Asian Junior and Schools Boxing Championships.
The championships, which are being played in Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi, saw Mumtaz confirm her place in the semi-finals after a stellar performance in the quarter-finals, which guaranteed her at least a bronze medal.
In the quarter-final bout, Mumtaz displayed her remarkable ability and strategic skills to defeat Thi Hong Yen Nguyen of Vietnam.
This win not only earned her a bronze medal but also marked a historic moment for Pakistani boxing as Mumtaz became the second female boxer from Pakistan to win a medal at the Asian Boxing Championship.
Mumtaz, who was the only participant representing Pakistan, demonstrated exceptional technical ability in the pole vault (46 kg) category.
Her left-hand hooks and well-executed attacks proved decisive against Nguyen, securing her place in the semi-finals and cementing her status as a formidable opponent.
The only other medalist from Pakistan at the Asian Boxing Championships was Hadiya Kamal, who won bronze in 2022 thanks to direct entry to the semi-finals.
The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) expressed pride in Mumtaz’s achievement and highlighted the dedication and hard work of both the athlete and her support team.
The federation emphasized that her success underlines her skill and determination along with a strong support system that contributed to her successes at the continental level.
According to a PBF statement, Federation President Muhammad Khalid Mahmood congratulated the boxer, her coach and her family on this momentous victory.
“Mumtaz’s triumph is a testament to the potential of Pakistani athletes on the international stage. PBF remains committed to supporting young talent across the country and looks forward to further success from Ayesha Mumtaz and other budding athletes,” the statement said.
