PESHAWAR: In what is being hailed as a landmark moment for women’s sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, successful women’s boxing trials were conducted in two major cities, Peshawar and Mardan, under the Prime Minister’s Youth Talent Hunt Youth Sports League. The initiative is being described by local athletes and coaches as a historic and revolutionary move to promote women’s boxing in the province.
The trials drew participation from young female athletes across various districts, including Swat, Haripur, Peshawar, and Mardan. Professional coaches supervised the process and selected standout performers based on skill and potential. According to the coaching staff, the enthusiasm and talent on display during the trials exceeded expectations, with many participants showcasing remarkable abilities.
Speaking to the media on the fourth day of the trials at the Mardan Sports Complex, local boxers Sawera and Nida expressed their excitement and gratitude. “Providing opportunities for women in a physically demanding and highly technical sport like boxing is a very encouraging step,” they said. “We never imagined trials of this level would take place in a city like Mardan. This platform is not only a source of confidence but also a gateway to national and international opportunities.”
The trials were organized by Shabana Khattak, a former international athlete and current Director of Sports at Bacha Khan University, Charsadda. She highlighted that her team worked hard to provide a safe and encouraging environment for female athletes across the province. “The performances we witnessed during these trials were astonishing. These young women have the potential to shine on bigger stages,” she stated. “Insha’Allah, the selected athletes will be given further training and will be given a chance to represent the province at the national level.”
She added that the objective of this initiative goes beyond competition. “It’s about building confidence, independence, and physical well-being among young women.”
Until recently, women’s boxing had not received the same attention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as men’s boxing. However, with federal government support and structured programs like the PM Youth Talent Hunt, a new era has begun—an era of inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment for female athletes in the region.
Local sports communities, coaches, and parents welcomed the trials and urged the federal government to create similar opportunities for women in other sports disciplines as well. They emphasized that with proper support, the talented daughters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can shine on the national and international stage and bring pride to the country.
