Women in Pakistan are shattering glass ceilings, right, left and center! From young girls surfing fearlessly on sea waves, policewomen riding bikes, and Hijabi ballet dancers, there is no limit to Muslim female talent and determination.
One such inspiring young talent is Abiha Haider, a Pakistani female footballer who has been challenging gender norms in sports since 2010. Adding another feather to her cap, Abiha Haider has been added to the ‘Top 30 Most Powerful Muslim Women in Sports’ list.
Breaking patriarchal barriers and soaring up high, Abiha has made the nation proud for the third time. Her previous most promising accomplishments include ‘2x Guinness World Record Holder’ for playing the longest football match, of up to seventy hours and ‘25 Under 25 Women Achievers in Pakistan’.
The young footballer took to her Instagram and shard the great news with all her fans and followers:
“Onwards & upwards to many more achievements for PK InshaAllah!” Abiha wrote.
Known for her hardwork, determination and admirable skillset, this young and gifted footballer has been bagging national and international accolades for outstanding performance since 2010. Ever since she was 14 years of age, she outperformed at football due to which she was invited to the Sports United Exchange program.
While giving a newspaper interview, Abiha revealed her fondness for sports:
‘Sports are full of positive energy. It gives you a chance to know your inner abilities, to develop yourself, and to develop your character, it gives you the confidence which goes unbreakable throughout life.
The bold and confident shining star of our nation, Abiha is a leading example for all gifted females who hold themselves back out of fear being shamed by the society. She has a message for all such talented females.
‘Never let your talent die because of the opinion of people. I have never done that. I have worked tirelessly; changed the opinions of people through my personality, my character, my ambition and now the same people hold their pride in me.’
Many celebrities and others send congratulatory messages to the pride of the nation, Abiha. Here is what Faysal Qureshi tweeted:
Congratulations @AbihaHaider05 for bringing another achievement to 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/MkFlGMSxji
— Faysal Quraishi (@faysalquraishi) July 8, 2020
She is an inspiration for all the aspiring talented women who are either hidden gems or have been recognized for their gift but are struggling to outshine. One of her instagram posts quotes, ” When i play for a team, i make sure i hold their back. I understand that my slightest of mistake can cost my team & that is what makes me stronger. Never giving up; only striving to be the better version of my own self”. Surely, these are a few lessons we all must learn from Abiha
There is massive untapped potential for female sports in our country, but sadly it’s still lagging behind many countries. Because of peer pressure, lack of supportive family members, fear of succumbing to social norms or being labelled as outcasts, many girls fail to come into the limelight. Women like Abiha Haider become a ray of hope, and a source of inspiration and motivation for all such young ladies out there.
Abiha’s success is living proof of sheer talent and hardwork; not losing hope or giving in to people’s opinion of you. We are proud of you, Abiha and the nation is proud of you. Here is to wishing this influential girl lots of success in all her future goals. Keep shining!
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