Exclusive: Pakistani teen fights against odds to reach world kickboxing stage

Armed with determination, discipline and unwavering faith, the young fighter has risen from a modest local academy to international arenas, carrying Pakistan’s flag on her shoulders and inspiring girls across the country to dream beyond social barriers.

Born and raised in Baldia Town, a densely populated low-income area in Pakistan’s financial capital, Rabia grew up in an environment where girls are often discouraged from pursuing sports — especially combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. Yet she chose a path many considered impossible.

“I have been very fond of sports since childhood,” Rabia said during an interview with MNTV. “Boxing seemed very different and unique to me. Maybe because people thought it was not for girls, it became even more challenging, and that is why I chose this sport.”

Rabia formally began her athletic career in 2023 after members of her school sports team noticed her stamina and athletic ability and encouraged her to try kickboxing. She initially trained in taekwondo before moving into boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts.

Rising through national and international competitions

What followed was a rapid rise fueled by discipline and persistence. Rabia first competed at domestic tournaments before progressing to national and international championships. Since then, she has won multiple national titles and several international medals, including five gold medals, one silver and one bronze.

She has represented Pakistan in countries including Thailand, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia, competing against fighters from India, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Georgia.

Most recently, she returned from Thailand after winning a silver medal.

“In all, I have won six international competitions, including four gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal,” she said proudly.

For Rabia, however, the medals represent more than personal achievement. They symbolize the possibility of breaking stereotypes surrounding women in Pakistan.

“I love representing my country through sports,” she said. “I want to represent Pakistan at every international level and become an example for the women of Pakistan.”

Fighting financial hardships

Her journey has not been easy. Coming from a middle-class family, Rabia said financial hardship remains one of the greatest challenges in her career. She trains at a modest academy with limited equipment and often struggles to secure sponsorships for international competitions.

“Being from a middle-class background, I am deprived of many facilities, but courage and determination never let obstacles stand in my way,” she said. “If I get the opportunity to compete internationally, I need sponsorships. There is also a lack of proper training equipment, and the academy where I train is not very high standard.”

Rabia said many Pakistani athletes are forced to arrange funding themselves despite representing the country abroad. Before receiving official support, she traveled internationally at her own expense and relied on the help of individuals who stepped forward after promised sponsors failed to provide assistance.

Still, she insists that a lack of resources should never discourage young people from pursuing their goals.

“I want to give a message to the youth and girls of my age that one should always work with courage and determination and never step back because of a lack of resources,” she said. “If the dream is pure and noble, then Allah Himself creates the way.”

Faith, family and determination

Faith, she added, has remained her strongest source of strength.

“My trust is in Allah. After that, I believe in myself and in the words, ‘I can do it.’ These words give me courage and motivation,” she said.

Rabia credits much of her success to the support of her family, especially her father and grandfather, who encouraged her despite criticism from others who believed boxing was unsuitable for girls.

“I give credit for my success to my grandfather, who has supported me from the beginning until now, and to my family, who always stand by me and encourage me,” she said.

Discipline behind the success

Her daily routine reflects the discipline behind her success. Rabia balances studies and sports with a strict schedule that begins with college in the morning, tuition classes in the afternoon and nearly four hours of training in the evening. She also maintains a careful diet and gym routine to stay in competitive condition.

“It is very difficult to manage sports along with studies,” she said. “But when there is courage and determination in your heart, nothing feels difficult.”

Rabia said she faced repeated criticism for entering combat sports as a woman from a conservative community. Some people argued boxing was inappropriate for girls or inconsistent with religious values. Others told her girls should focus only on studies and remain at home after matriculation.

But she refused to back down.

“For me, boxing is about representing Pakistan,” she said. “When people see me internationally, they identify me first as a Pakistani fighter, and that makes me proud.”

Defeat, victory and the will to improve

One of her most memorable moments came during her first international bout against a Russian fighter. Rabia admitted she initially felt intimidated by her opponent’s strength and experience, but winning the contest gave her confidence for future competitions.

She also recalled a fierce match in Azerbaijan that she described as a “bloody fight,” where she defeated a local fighter to win a medal and later secured a championship belt at the WF Championship under the World Combat Federation.

Another defining moment came during a match against an Indian opponent in Azerbaijan last year. Rabia said she felt intense pressure before entering the ring, knowing a victory against India would attract widespread attention back home.

According to Rabia, the fight ended quickly after she landed a powerful kick followed by several punches that forced officials to stop the contest.

“She secured a knockout victory within about 25 to 30 seconds,” she said. Despite her growing success, Rabia remains grounded and views defeat as part of growth. “When I lose, I focus on correcting my mistakes and improving for the next fight.”

‘Focus more on personal growth than on phone screens’

Outside the ring, Rabia hopes her story will inspire young girls to pursue ambitions that society may consider impossible. She believes courage, self-belief, and consistency matter more than circumstances.

Today’s generation, she said, spends too much time focused on mobile phones and social media instead of personal growth.

“We should focus more on ourselves than on mobile screens, work hard in our studies and continue progressing in our talents and skills,” she said.

Although she uses social media to share her journey and connect with supporters, she believes excessive use can negatively affect daily life. Still, the encouragement she receives online motivates her to continue.

“People leave supportive comments and good wishes, which makes me feel people are with me, love me and support me,” she said. “That is why I never step back from my dreams and continue striving to achieve what once seemed impossible.”