Stepping into the field of sports as a Pakistani woman has always been a challenge. This mainly occurs due to the prevalent gender stereotypes as well extreme societal pressure. The religious element also comes into play within the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. However, there are some outstanding individuals whose hard work and skill has shone through and made them a major role model for young Pakistani girls to look upto. These women broke through all the taboos and obstacles, making a name for themselves and continue to inspire and excel within their respective fields.
Here is a list of athletes that have truly made us proud!
- Sana Mir
Cricket is Pakistans national sport and our citizens have a serious passion for it. After the establishment of the Pakistans Cricket Boards (PCB) Women Wing in 2005, it has been a progressive development for all the women who are major fanatics of this sport. When it comes to speaking of legendary sportswomen, Sana Mir is someone who has stood out in her respective field and is a star who has played a very important role in the empowerment of women.
She is a gold medalist in Asian Games and was named as the 12th Best Player by ICC.
Sana has truly been an inspiration and role model for all those women who want to pursue their dreams.
- Maria Toorpakai Wazir (Squash)
Pakistan has shone through in the field of squash due to legendary players like Jahangir Khan. However, after their retirement, Pakistan faced a dry period during which not many people could create an impact like him. However, recently Toorpakai from Waziristan, KPK has broken all barriers and stood out as an excellent 28-year-old squash player.
There was a time Maria had to dress up like a boy and use the name Genghis Khan just to be able to play squash. Today, she is breaking all gender stereotypes and was ranked 56th in the top female players of the world and received the honour of the Salaam Pakistan Award.
- Hajra Khan (Football)
Celebrated as one of the ambassadors of Pakistani sports worldwide, Hajra Khan who is the captain of the Pakistani football team is the only individual to have scored over 100 goals during her entire career.
Cricket and hockey have been popular choices when it comes to sports in comparison to football. The decision to build a career as a footballer was truly a tough one and she stands firmly as one of the most renowned football personalities within Pakistan regardless of her male counterparts.
It was a moment of pride and an important milestone in her career when this 21-year-old was invited to play for the top 3 German football clubs such as SGS Essen, VfL Sindelfingen and FSV Gütersloh, where she spent 3 weeks playing for season trials.
- Sahib – e – Asra (Athlete)
Whenever there’s a conversation of inspirational women athletes, it’s always worth mentioning Sahiba – e – Asra who gained immense popularity as a local icon.
She represents WAPDA as a runner and has won the 100 km race for National Athletics Championship.
Even though she belongs from a humble background, her father, who is an Imam at a mosque in Faisalabad never failed to support her despite all the criticism and societal constructs. This young lady kick started her career as a runner during her school life on a district and division level. She has truly excelled as an athlete runner and made a name for herself locally.
