This groundbreaking announcement opened doors for women like Fahima. However, in 2018 it was announced that female fighters would be allowed to wear hijab in international competitions. The UAE always welcomed women boxers, but back then, the Hijab rule wasn’t there. How Boxing Changed People’s Attitude Towards Her My brother is quietly proud about my achievements,” Fahims admits. However, surprisingly, her parents never stopped her from chasing her dreams. Since 2018, the 36-year-old has grown to be an everyday customer to Actual Boxing Solely in Al Quoz, owned by Michelle Kuehn.Ĭhallenges Faced From The Family & The Societyīoxing is a male-dominated sport and Fahima was aware it wouldn’t be easy to convince her parents. Later on, she discovered Real Boxing Only Gym on Instagram and joined them as soon as they opened. She then took up personal training sessions and practised with a trainer. It was love at first sight for Fahima, who enjoyed her boxing lessons so much that her partners couldn’t keep up. The gym started a group boxing class and Fahima started to develop the skills fast. She kept herself physically fit with regular exercise sessions at a ladies gym. Soon, she started working and had her own car. However, Fahima was determined to learn the sport and contacted different trainers. As she grew up, it was difficult for her to go to a mixed gym and most gyms didn’t have women trainers. Someone from her household needed to take her. She quickly signed up for it and there has been no looking back ever since.īack then, it was difficult because Fahima didn’t have management over what she wished or the place she wished to go and prepare. It all started four years ago when a fitness company she was involved with introducing an outdoor “Boxfit” class. Nevertheless, it wasn’t till her early 30s when she really tried her life-long ardour. Journey Of Shattering The Glass Ceiling & Becoming A Boxerįahima was always passionate about boxing. As a kid, I remember grabbing a newspaper reading it aloud like I was on TV.” However, fate had it differently and she studied Computer Networking, although she always dreamed of being in the media. “I also enjoyed boxing and martial arts, but because of cultural restrictions, did not take it any further.” She took part in a number of activities – from volleyball or basketball – that were available in her school curriculum. Even as a student, Fahima had a keen interest in sports. Having grown up in a conservative household, Fahima admits that it took some convincing to get into the sport. However, as she grew up, Fahima was barred from playing with her brother or with other friends. “I was often told that girls should stay home, take care of their family, and siblings, cook, and be responsible”, says Fahima. As a child she was always ambitious and loved to try new things, to feed her curiosity. The eldest girl, and the second among eight children in her family, Fahima grew up in an Emirati household. Life While Growing Up In A Conservative Household From choosing an off-beat career to making her territory in a male-dominated field, here’s how this boxer got into the ring and lived her dreams. It’s not often that we hear of women boxers, but Fahima Falaknaz broke boundaries to become what she is today! At 36, Fahima is the first Emirati female boxer to represent the UAE. But she is not one to rest on her laurels. Curly Tales Dubai got chatty with Fahima to find out how she derived confidence to become what she is and to shine in front of the world. First on our list is Fahima Falaknaz- UAE’s first female boxer. While the challenges and situations might be different, one thing that remains intrinsic to womanhood is grit and determination.Ĭurly Tales and Vatika team up to launch the Vatika Voices- an initiative to shed light on women in GCC who have made the world sit up and take note. Today, women have overcome odds and have achieved their dreams. Gone are the days when women were confined to the kitchen and were expected to handle household chores.
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