British-Pakistani boxer Laura Akram has made history by becoming the first woman to win a world-level elite boxing medal for Pakistan.
Akram secured her place on the podium with a dominant 5-0 victory over Palestine’s Noura Salman in the Women’s 57kg quarterfinal at the World Boxing Challenge, part of the prestigious Grand Prix Ústí nad Labem.
With this decisive win, Akram has advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing herself at least a bronze medal. This achievement marks a milestone moment for Pakistan’s women’s boxing, as she becomes the first female elite boxer to medal for the country at an international tournament of this level.
In the semifinal, Akram will face Michidmaa Erdenedalai of Mongolia. A victory will secure her a place in the final, with the chance to compete for gold or silver.
Akram holds dual nationality and chose to represent Pakistan on the international stage. She is also the reigning national champion, having claimed the title at the last national championship held in Karachi, according to the Pakistan Boxing Federation.
Before Akram, Noman Karim was the only Pakistani boxer to win a world-level medal, taking bronze at the 2003 World Championships.
Following the Grand Prix, Laura Akram is scheduled to compete in the World Boxing Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 30 to July 6, before heading to Liverpool to participate in the 2025 World Championships.
