Boxer Fatima Zahra confirmed Pakistan’s first medal at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games when she thrashed her opponent in the Women’s 60kg quarterfinal on Thursday night to reach the semifinals.
The 21-year-old delivered an impressive 5-0 victory over her Algerian opponent, Hamda Melissa, at the Games in Riyadh, securing her place in Saturday’s semifinal and guaranteeing Pakistan a medal.
Zahra dominated in all three rounds, securing a 10 from all five judges in each round except from one judge in the second round.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s Maria Rind was defeated by Turkiye’s Rabia Topuz 5-0, while compatriot Laura Djida Akram suffered the same fate at the hands of her Uzebk opponent.
Pakistan’s Qudrat Ullah will open his campaign in the Men’s 55 kg quarterfinal on Saturday against Yousif Hassa Othman of Palestine.
A 53-member contingent has been sent to the Games being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from November 7-21.