Quetta’s Abida Batool becomes first Pakistani woman boxer to win world atomweight title

QUETTA: Abida Batool, a talented Pakistani woman boxer, has made the country proud on the world stage. Abida Batool, 26, who belongs to Quetta, won the Women’s International Boxing Association world atomweight title. She is the first Pakistani woman boxer to achieve this honour.

On 31 October, she fought Thai opponent Wandee Seenoungkhrot at the Brave Hearts boxing event in Pattaya, Thailand. The 8-round bout at the FCC Stadium ended in the fifth round.

During the fight, Abida Batool suffered a fractured nose after an accidental clash of heads. The ringside doctor then stopped the fight and the result was decided on the judges’ scorecards.

Two judges ruled in favour of Abida Batool and the third ruled in favour of the Thai boxer. The Pakistani boxer thus won the world championship by a split technical decision.

Journey and struggle

Abida Batool took up boxing in 2018. In the early stages, she faced financial difficulties and opposition from her family. Through hard work and determination, however, she made a place for herself in sport.

She has previously won Pakistan’s national professional boxing title. She has also taken part in mixed martial arts, wushu and kickboxing. In January, she also competed for the WBC Asia atomweight title, but lost at that time.

After winning the world title, Abida Batool thanked her family, her coach Shariq Khan, her sponsors and the people of Pakistan.

Her historic achievement is an important milestone for women’s boxing in Pakistan. It will also be a source of encouragement for young women in Balochistan, particularly in Quetta.