In a groundbreaking moment for Pakistani sports, British-Pakistani boxer Laura Akram has secured the country’s first-ever world-level medal in elite women’s boxing. Competing at the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix in Ústí nad Labem, Akram delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Palestine’s Noura Salman in the Women’s 57kg quarterfinals, guaranteeing her at least a bronze medal.
Akram’s triumph marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first female elite boxer to represent Pakistan and win a medal at this prestigious event. Before her, only Noman Karim had won a world-level medal for Pakistan (bronze at the 2003 World Championships). Akram, who holds dual British-Pakistani citizenship, chose to represent Pakistan and is the current national champion, having won the last national boxing championship in Karachi.
With her podium finish secured, Akram now advances to the semifinals, where she will face Michidmaa Erdenedalai of Mongolia. A victory there would propel her into the gold-medal bout, offering Pakistan a shot at its first-ever world boxing title.
Following the World Boxing Challenge, Akram is set to compete in the World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan (June 30–July 6) before heading to Liverpool for the 2025 World Championships. Her success is a major leap forward for women’s boxing in Pakistan, inspiring a new generation of female athletes to pursue combat sports.
Akram’s journey is not just a personal victory but a symbol of progress for women in sports across Pakistan. As she continues her quest for gold, the nation rallies behind her, eager to witness more history in the making. 🥊🇵🇰