Who Is Fatima Zahra? Pakistan’s First Commonwealth Games Boxing Medallist Inspired By Priyanka Chopra’s ‘Mary Kom’

Fatima Zahra etched her name in the history books of the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first woman from Pakistan to secure a CWG medal. The 22-year-old signed off her campaign with a historic bronze medal, becoming the first Pakistani woman to stand on a Commonwealth Games podium.

“We are developing in boxing, but it’s a sign that we are going in the right direction. This is our first step. We are hoping for the gold as well, and this medal will mean a lot for Pakistan boxing as well,” Fatima said after her 5-0 victory over Jordan Wilson of New Zealand in the quarterfinals.

Hailing from Sargodha (Pakistan’s Punjab), Zahra had many female boxers to look up to from her own country. Instead, she picked up someone across the border to be her boxing idol in Mary Kom. Fatima revealed that Indian boxing legend Mary Kom has been a major source of inspiration after she secured a bronze medal, saying the former world champion’s journey from humble beginnings to global success deeply resonated with her.

“I am inspired by India’s Mary Kom,” Fatima told PTI after securing her bronze medal.

For Fatima, it was not just Kom’s achievements inside the ring but the struggles she overcame that made her story particularly inspiring. Born into a poor farming family in rural Manipur, Kom battled financial difficulties, social resistance and limited resources before becoming one of boxing’s most decorated athletes.

Priyanka Chopra’s ‘Mary Kom’ Inspired Fatima To Take Up Boxing

Kom went on to win six world championship titles, an Olympic bronze medal, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medals, as well as five Asian Championships. Her journey was later portrayed in the 2014 Bollywood biopic Mary Kom, which left a lasting impression on Fatima when she was just 10 years old.

“I used to watch the film made on her life. When I started boxing, I used to watch that movie and train. I have a lot of respect for her and inshallah one day I will become like her. I hope I can meet her,” Fatima said.

Growing Up In A Background Of Resistance

Fatima’s own journey has also been marked by resistance at home. Like Kom, she had to overcome opposition from her family to pursue boxing and credited her basic coach for helping her develop as a fighter.

“My background is not that strong. My basic coach taught me everything,” she said. “My family was against boxing. They would not let me go for training, but I fought with them and continued training.”

However, her family’s attitude has since changed, with Fatima revealing that they now share her nerves and excitement ahead of her bouts. “And now they are more tense than me for my fight and competition,” she said with a smile.

The boxer now hopes her success can inspire more Pakistani girls to challenge traditional expectations and pursue sport. “I was also just another girl. I joined boxing, trained and worked hard. I want other girls who are told to work at home to come out like me.

“I have struggled and worked so hard. I want others to get boosted by my performance and get inspired.”