The inspiration provided by legendary Indian boxer MC Mary Kom has now transcended borders. Fatima Zahra, Pakistan’s first female boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal, has credited the six-time world champion as the source of her inspiration. Twenty-two-year-old Fatima made history by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 60kg category, becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games. Having grown up in the city of Sargodha in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Fatima did not have a prominent female boxing role model in her own country; consequently, she looked to the great Indian boxer Mary Kom for inspiration.
Inspired by Mary Kom’s Struggle-Filled Life
Fatima said, “I am inspired by India’s Mary Kom.” She mentioned that she was deeply influenced not only by Mary Kom’s achievements but also by her life, which was marked by struggle. Born into an ordinary farming family in Manipur, Mary Kom carved a niche for herself in the world of boxing while overcoming challenges such as financial hardship, social opposition, and limited resources.
Practiced by Watching the Film
Fatima shared that the 2014 Bollywood film based on Mary Kom’s life had a profound impact on her. She said, “I used to watch the movie about her life repeatedly. When I started boxing, I would practice by watching that very film. I respect her immensely. I want to become like her one day. I hope to meet her in the future as well.”
Faced Opposition from Family
Like Mary Kom, Fatima also had to face opposition from her family to pursue her dreams. She said, “My family’s financial background was not very strong. My initial coach taught me everything. My family was against boxing and wouldn’t let me go for practice, but I didn’t give up and kept training.”
Family’s Perspective Changed Over Time
However, her family’s perspective changed over time; speaking about this with a smile, Fatima said, “Now, during my bouts, my family worries even more than I do.” Fatima hopes that this historic medal of hers will inspire other girls in Pakistan to break social stereotypes and excel in sports.
