Home Tags Posts tagged with "Women in Sports"
Tag:

Women in Sports

Pakistan’s Banu Kausar Wins Gold at Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship by Defeating Indian Richa Sharma
Sports

Pakistan’s Banu Kausar Wins Gold at Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship by Defeating Indian Richa Sharma

by Anum Mushtaque
written by Anum Mushtaque

From classrooms to combat arenas, Pakistani girls continue to break barriers. Bano Kausar’s historic win is a powerful reminder that when given the chance, women from even the most modest backgrounds can rise to global heights.

Key highlights of the achievement:

  1. Bano Kausar won gold in the 48kg Ju-Jitsu Contact event at the 9th Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2025 in Jordan.
  2. She defeated India’s Richa Sharma in the final and Thailand’s Sugun Nutchayafrom in the semifinal.
  3. Pakistan’s self-sponsored team of six secured four medals despite limited resources.

Pakistani athlete Bano Kausar won the gold medal in the 48kg Ju-Jitsu Contact event at the 9th Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2025, held in Amman, Jordan. She defeated India’s Richa Sharma in the final, standing on the top podium alongside athletes from India and Thailand on May 25, 2025.

Bano’s victory followed her semifinal win against Thailand’s Sugun Nutchayafrom, further establishing her position among Pakistan’s top martial artists. This was her first participation in the event.

Pakistan competed in the championship with a small, self-sponsored team of six athletes, three men and three women, due to financial constraints. Despite the challenges, the Pakistani team secured four medals.

Winners: Gold: Bano Kausar (48kg Ju-Jitsu Contact event); Bronze: Kainat Arif and Isra Waseem (Duo Women and Show Women categories); Bronze: M. Ali Rashid and M. Yousaf Ali (Duo Men event).

Bano Kausar is also an Asian MMA champion. Her performance reflects the ongoing efforts of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF), which continues to train athletes despite limited resources. Coaches like M. Altaf have played a pivotal role in preparing athletes like Bano Kausar.

Bano Kausar’s win marks a historic moment for Pakistan in international Ju-Jitsu competition.

Banu Butt’s gold isn’t just another line in a record book. It’s a symbol of possibility. A woman from Pakistan, standing tall on the highest podium, defeating seasoned international fighters. This moment matters. It shows that when Pakistani athletes get a shot they don’t just participate. They win. With more support, better facilities, and visibility, there’s no telling how far talents like Banu can go.

Her story is proof: belief, dedication, and passion can push through any barrier.

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Sports

Ghazala Siddique Lifts Women’s Singles’ Title in the All Pakistan National Ranking Badminton Tournament

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Ghazala Siddique clinches the women’s singles title at the All Pakistan National Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Bahawalpur.
  • Lieutenant General Saqib Mehmood Malik graces the concluding ceremony, distributing prizes among the finalists.
  • Ghazala Siddique’s victory paves the way for her representation of Pakistan in the 2023 Asian Games, marking a bright future in badminton.

Ghazala Siddique has won the women’s singles’ title in the All Pakistan National Ranking Badminton Tournament that concluded at the Garrison Sports Complex Bahawalpur Cantt.

Lieutenant General Saqib Mehmood Malik (HI)M, who currently holds the position of Corps Commander in Bahawalpur, graced the concluding ceremony as the guest of honor. He kindly distributed prizes among the finalists. Wajid Ali Chaudhry, the President of the Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF), and former national champions M Zubair and M Usman were also in attendance.

Ghazala Siddique’s Thrilling Tournament Victory

The All Pakistan National Ranking Badminton Tournament is a highly anticipated event in Pakistan’s sports calendar, attracting top talent from across the country. Ghazala Siddique’s path to victory in the women’s singles category was marked by fierce competition and intense matches. Her agility, swift footwork, and precise shot-making left spectators in awe and her opponents struggling to keep up.

Mahoor shahzad & Ghazala Siddiqui Women's Doubles National Badminton championship 2022 - Economy.pk

In the final showdown, Ghazala faced a formidable adversary, but she displayed nerves of steel and a tactical finesse that belied her years. The fiercely contested match showcased her mental fortitude as she battled through grueling rallies, ultimately emerging victorious with a scoreline that reflected her prowess and unwavering resolve.

Ghazala Siddique emerged victorious, defeating Palwasha Bashir with a scoreline of 16-21, 21-18, 21-18. Her remarkable victory not only solidified her position as a rising star in the world of badminton but also served as an inspiration to countless aspiring athletes across the nation.

A Bright Future Ahead for Ghazala Siddique at the 2023 Asian Games

As Ghazala Siddique stands proudly on the podium, the women’s singles champion of the All Pakistan National Ranking Badminton Tournament, she not only basks in the glory of her victory but also sets her sights on a promising future. Her triumph opens doors to more opportunities, international exposure, and the chance to further elevate Pakistan’s stature in the world of badminton.

 

The young sportswoman will now be representing Pakistani in Hangzhou, China for the 2023 Asian Games in China. In the women’s category, Ghazala and renowned badminton champion Mahnoor Shahzad will represent the nation.

Ghazala spoke about her excitement for playing in the South Asian Games.

“I started playing badminton as a hobby during school matches, and then I developed a passion for it during my time at university. I am now the U-16 and U-19 champion. I have played in the South Asian Games where I won the bronze medal. I have also competed in the Asian Games in 2018 and recently traveled to England to take part in the Commonwealth Games. I am extremely proud to be participating in the 2023 Asian Games in China.”

 

Follow WOW360 for more.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
WhatsApp Image 2023-08-02 at 14.41.35
CultureSports

Bannu’s First Female Kickboxer Afsheen Javed is Making Waves

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Afsheen Javed is the first female kickboxer in Bannu, a conservative city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and she faces numerous challenges in pursuing her passion for the sport.
  • Bannu’s traditional gender roles and societal expectations make it difficult for Afsheen to gain acceptance and support in her pursuit of kickboxing. She faces judgment and resistance from people around her and has to balance her training with her cultural norms.
  • Despite the hurdles, Afsheen remains determined and optimistic about making her name in the world of kickboxing.

A female kickboxer in Bannu, a city situated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan is making waves for her utmost determination to the sport. Hailing from one of the most conservative parts in the country, Afsheen Javed is the first female kickboxer in Bannu. Her journey towards gaining recognition in the sports is secondary while her primary concern is gaining acceptance from the society she currently resides in. As the first female kickboxer in Bannu, Afsheen Javed’s journey in undoubtedly filled with utmost challenges and multiple hurdles.

Afsheen’s Journey as the first female kickboxer in Bannu

In a society where traditional gender roles and expectations are deeply ingrained, pursuing a male-dominated sport like kickboxing can be met with a lot of resistance and prejudices. In a recent interview Afsheen shares her daily struggles as she fights through judgement from the people around her. Bannu is a highly traditional city where one would hardly see any women on the streets.

Recently, in August 2022, the only women-only public park in the city was also shut down after multiple objections from the people of Bannu. Keeping this in mind, Afsheen is the beacon of change that the city highly needs, doing what she loves she is making her name in a male dominated sport in a city where women do not have the liberties or freedom to do any such things.

Afsheen’s journey may be full of hurdles but the boxer is optimistic to make her name in the world of boxing. She narrates a day in her life where she wears a tracksuit underneath her fully covered burqa on her way to her training academy where she trains with a male trainer. Afsheen shares what people had to say when they found out she was out learning kickboxing,

“What will your family say? What will your brothers and father say to you?”

Read More:
Bibi Zahra: Quetta’s First & Only Female Rickshaw Driver

Women’s Martial Arts and Kickboxing in Pakistan

Javed believes the interest in women’s kickboxing and martial arts is increasing all over Pakistan, however, she faces special challenges in Bannu due to the issue of ‘purdah’ and internalised gender roles and the lack of freedom for women in the city. Afsheen is thankful for a supportive family and thanks her father for supporting her fulfil her dream.

Afsheen has been regularly competing in various state and national level competitions and won medals for U-21, U-16 and U-23 national championship levels.

“My neighbours say I should stay home, finish my graduation and get married and that sports is not for girls.”

Despite these obstacles, Afsheen Javed’s determination and courage in pursuing her passion for kickboxing demonstrate the power of resilience and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Her journey can inspire other young women in Bannu and beyond to challenge societal norms, pave the way for more inclusive opportunities in sports, and prove that gender should not be a barrier to following one’s dreams.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Malala Yousafzai
LifestyleSports

Malala Yousafzai Wants to Invest in Women’s Sports

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has always been a champion advocate for Women’s rights, particularly for education. She even started the Malala Fund to help girls in third-world countries being deprived of their rights in several countries.

Not too long ago, Malala had expressed her interest in owning a cricket franchise. Reportedly, Malala Yousafzai had shown interest in the Pakistan Women’s Cricket League and expressed the desire to the current board management after former chairman Rameez Raja.

According to a report, sources say that Malala Yousafzai will participate in the bidding process for the women’s league teams.

Malala Yousufzai Wants to Promote Women’s Sports

Now, further developments have surfaced in Malala’s interest in sports, particularly for women.

On Tuesday, Malala posted a story on her Instagram account where she shared an article from the New York Times about India’s efforts to transform cricket, the “gentleman’s game,” through the establishment of a professional women’s league.

She expressed her opinion, urging for more investments in women’s sports, and accompanied her post with a trophy emoji.

Also Read:
Malala Yousafzai Wants to Work with Angelina Jolie
This is not the first time Malala Yousafzai has been seen as a sport-fanatic. Malala’s husband Asr Malik has worked with PCB in the past while Malala has also shared in the past that she loves playing and watching cricket.
On the other hand, Malala had met the women cricketers representing Pakistan at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in Lahore last year during her PCB visit.

Malala Fund is Actively Funding Women’s Sports

In 2020, Malala Fund’s Game Changer series celebrated 30 female athletes who are breaking barriers in their respective sports and communities around the world. Assembly, a digital publication and newsletter by Malala Fund, produced the series, showcasing how sports can positively impact the lives of women and girls.

The profiled athletes, hailing from 24 countries, consisted of Olympic and Paralympic champions, as well as emerging talents from various sporting fields. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences offered a unique global perspective on women in sports.

The series featured a wide range of athletes, including Miki Matheson, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist, and Tanya Muzinda, a 15-year-old aspiring to become the first female motocross champion in Africa. Readers were also introduced to Atefa, the first girl in Afghanistan to land a kickflip, and Tyasha Harris, the No. 7 pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, who shared her experience playing for Dawn Staley at South Carolina.

What do you think about Malala’s initiative?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

Also Read:
Malala Yousafzai Opens Up About Her Relationship With Husband Asser Malik
0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Sehr-Saeed
Sports

Sehr Saeed’s Love for Horses & Polo

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Sehr Saeed: For The Love of Horses

Sehr Saeed completed her education at the Karachi American School, where her peers had diverse interests, but her passion for horse riding remained undeterred.

She spent most of her spare time at the stables, where the sound of neighing horses was music to her ears. Sehr started with riding and later took up show jumping, gaining knowledge about horses and stables.

In 1981, she travelled to England for a four-week course of show jumping under the German Olympic team trainer. However, she suffered serious injuries from a fall during training, which led her to be cautious when riding her pony after returning home.

Sehr Saeed was selected to represent Pakistan at the Asian Games in New Delhi the following year. However, her inclusion was withdrawn due to the restriction on girls participating in spectator sports.

Disappointed with this decision, Sehr Saeed stopped riding for a year and lived a regular teenage life with her friends. But she resumed riding in 1983, with her focus shifting to polo instead of show jumping.

9-Year-Old Aiyana Noel Wins Gold for Pakistan at Karate Championship

Polo is Not Just a Gentlemen’s Sport

As a girl, Sehr faced opposition from various quarters due to the preference given to boys in the sport. However, she continued with her training and played for various teams, including the Police, PIA, Army, and her riding school “Shahsawar.”

Sehr Saeed was the only Pakistani girl playing polo until last year, and she faced considerable challenges due to the shortage of horses, playing facilities, mismanagement, and internal politics.

The shortage of horses was particularly acute, with only two government breeding farms in Mona and Sargodha producing broad-boned polo ponies. Professional players were deprived of the best horses as the best ones were reserved for dignitaries and senior military personnel.

In addition, the number of playing grounds was inadequate, with Lahore having three grounds and Karachi only one. The other ground was converted into a recreational area, and the existing one gave the impression of a battlefield.

Despite these challenges, Sehr continued to play polo and participated in the Governor of Sindh Tournament in 1984, where she was awarded a special prize for being the only female player.

Sehr Saeed played polo in England for two summers, but her playing activities were restricted in the United States, where females were not allowed to play the sport. Sehr’s love for horses and polo remained undiminished despite the challenges she faced, and her dedication to the sport was an inspiration to many.

Saeed is an inspiration for girls who love playing polo and other male-dominated sports, as she has shown that is you are passionate enough and ready to fight for it, the dream is within reach.

What are your thoughts about her achievements?

Share them with us in the comments below.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

PSL Women’s League: Cricketers Ready for First Exhibition Match

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
WhatsApp Image 2021 06 25 at 12.05.16 PM
CultureFeaturedTrailblazer

Pakistan’s first Wheelchair-Bound Table Tennis Champion Zainab Barkat is Inspiring

by Laiba
written by Laiba
Pakistan’s first wheelchair-bound table tennis champion Zainab Barkat has become an inspiration for many.

At the age of one, she was crippled by polio. However, she decided she won’t let her disability define her – she became a Pakistani table tennis champion, but of course, on wheels.  According to a local website, she also has the honour to be the first woman tennis player in the wheelchair category.

Zainab has also participated in matches internationally – she represents Pakistan’s differently-abled tennis players. Over the years, she has participated in many national level championships. As a result, she has earned 20 medals and 16 winner trophies – something she is immensely proud of.

Being a paraplegic, Barkat didn’t let her condition come in the way of her career even though she was well aware of the limitations that came with being in a wheelchair. She defied all odds in a country such as Pakistan, where women already struggle to carve their path in the field of sports.

She told a local publishing site that she “saw differently-abled men do so much for themselves, playing different sports, she said, adding, I thought to myself if boys can do it, then the girls can do it, too.”

With that thought in mind, Barkat explored different sports areas and finally found the one that she was passionate about, “Table tennis”.  She is a representation of strength and bravery. She inspires other women every day with her determination.

An Inspiring Tale of Courage Despite Challenges, Amna Hamid’s Life Story Will Leave You in Awe. Read the full story here:

Now and then, you come across a story that makes you pause and wonder. It leaves you in awe of inspiration. A story that makes your own struggles and challenges look really small and gives you the courage and motivation to go on in life. It makes you realise that no matter what life throws at you, you have to take it, learn to adapt, turn it into your strength and move forward with a smile.

An Inspiring Tale of Courage In spite of Challenges, Amna Hamid’s Life Story Will Leave You in Awe

Have something to add? Let us know in the comment section below.

For more news and updates, stay tuned to Wow 360.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail