British-Pakistani boxer Laura Akram has secured Pakistan’s first world-level medal in elite women’s boxing.
Akram delivered a commanding performance in her quarterfinal match at the prestigious World Boxing Challenge, part of the Grand Prix Ústí nad Labem, to secure a place in the semifinals, PTV reported.
With a 5-0 points victory against Palestine’s Noura Salman in the Women’s 57kg bout, Akram has guaranteed herself a podium finish and at least a bronze medal.
The landmark victory made Akram the first female elite boxer to represent Pakistan and win a medal at the World Boxing Challenge, a remarkable milestone for women’s combat sports in the country.
In the semi-finals, Akram will go up against Michidmaa Erdenedalai from Mongolia. The winner of the bout will progress to the final round, where the recipients of the gold and silver medals will be determined.
Akram, a dual British and Pakistani citizen who chose to represent Pakistan, is the current national champion, winning the last national championship held in Karachi, according to the Pakistan Boxing Federation.
Before her, Noman Karim won a bronze medal in the 2003 World Championships.
After the World Boxing Challenge, Akram will participate in the upcoming World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, taking place from June 30 to July 6, before going to Liverpool for the 2025 World Championships.
