She Watched Mary Kom’s Story at 10, Years Later She Made Pakistan’s Boxing History

Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom’s inspiring journey has found a new admirer across the border, with Pakistan’s Fatima Zahra crediting the six-time world champion for motivating her to pursue the sport and create history at the Commonwealth Games.

The 22-year-old Pakistani boxer scripted history in Glasgow by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 60kg category, becoming the first female boxer from Pakistan to claim a Commonwealth Games medal.

Growing up in Sargodha, Punjab province, Fatima had limited access to female boxing role models in her own country. Instead, she looked towards Mary Kom, whose remarkable rise from humble beginnings to global stardom became a source of inspiration.

“ I am inspired by India’s Mary Kom, ” Fatima said after securing her historic podium finish.

For Fatima, Mary Kom’s appeal was not only her achievements inside the ring but also the struggles she overcame outside it. Born into a financially challenged farming family in rural Manipur, Mary Kom battled social barriers, lack of resources and personal hardships before becoming one of boxing’s most decorated athletes.

Her six world championship titles, Olympic bronze medal, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medals turned her into a global sporting icon. However, it was the story behind those victories that deeply connected with Fatima.

A decade ago, as a 10-year-old, Fatima watched the Bollywood film based on Mary Kom’s life. The movie inspired her to train harder and dream bigger.

“When I started boxing, I used to watch that movie and train. I have a lot of respect for her. I hope one day I can meet her,” Fatima said.

Like Mary Kom, Fatima’s journey was filled with challenges. Coming from a modest background, she faced opposition from her family when she first chose boxing as her career. Despite resistance, she continued training with the support of her coach and refused to abandon her dream.

Her determination eventually changed perceptions, and her family, once hesitant about her boxing career, became her biggest supporters.

With her historic Commonwealth medal, Fatima now hopes to inspire more young girls in Pakistan to step beyond traditional boundaries and pursue careers in sports.

“I was also just another girl. I joined boxing, trained and worked hard. I want other girls to come out and follow their dreams,” she said.

Fatima’s achievement reflects how sporting icons can inspire change beyond borders, proving that a champion’s story can create champions far beyond their own nation.