Ústí nad Labem (TDI): British‑Pakistani boxer Laura Akram has made history by winning Pakistan’s first world-level medal in elite women’s boxing at the World Boxing Challenge, part of the prestigious Grand Prix Ústí nad Labem tournament.
Akram earned her spot on the podium after a dominant performance in the Women’s 57 kg quarterfinals on June 12, defeating Noura Salman of Palestine with a 5‑0 points decision. By advancing to the semifinals, she guarantees at least a bronze medal for Pakistan, marking the first time a female elite boxer from Pakistan has medaled at this level.
The 39-year-old boxer, originally from London, began representing Pakistan internationally in 2023. She is the current national champion, having claimed the title in Karachi, according to the Pakistan Boxing Federation. Afghanistan’s Michidmaa Erdenedalai of Mongolia will be her opponent in the semifinals. The winner advances to the finals, with gold and silver medals at stake.
The tournament, taking place June 11–14 at the Winter Stadium in the Czech Republic, draws top talent from around the world. This year’s installment, marking the event’s 100th anniversary, features 184 boxers from 23 countries and holds World Boxing Challenge status for the second consecutive year.
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Akram’s bronze medal follows in the footsteps of Noman Karim, who won bronze in men’s boxing at the 2003 World Championships. Her achievement has brought renewed attention to Pakistan’s boxing ambitions on the global stage.
Earlier this spring, Akram was selected for Pakistan’s team at the first World Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy. A report was issued on February 2024 which noted that she joined a five-strong squad aiming to secure Olympic qualification, becoming one of two female boxers representing Pakistan.
That selection followed her national success as both a champion in Karachi and a contender in international competitions. Following the Grand Prix Ústí nad Labem, Akram is set to compete at the upcoming World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 30-July 6. She will then head to Liverpool for the 2025 World Boxing Championships.
Pakistan Boxing Federation officials hope Akram’s performance will inspire further development in women’s boxing. Ever since the sports has officially launched in Pakistan the focus on the national level female athletes have increased.
With this increased international exposure and strong presence at events like the Grand Prix, Pakistan wants to promote its boxing program on the international level, particularly ahead of Olympic qualifiers.
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