Pakistan's Abida Batool has become the first Pakistani woman to win a Women's International Boxing Association (WIBA) world title after defeating Thailand's Wandee Sinongkhrot in Pattaya. The 26-year-old secured the vacant world atomweight championship on October 31 during the Brave Hearts boxing event at FCC Stadium.
The scheduled eight-round contest ended in the fifth round after an accidental headbutt left Batool with a fractured nose. A ringside doctor stopped the fight, sending the result to the judges for a technical decision. Two judges awarded the contest to Batool, while the third favoured her Thai opponent.
Batool began her boxing career in 2018 and gradually established herself as Pakistan's leading female professional boxer. Before winning the international championship, she had already secured the country's national professional boxing title and competed in mixed martial arts, wushu and kickboxing.
Her journey was not without difficulties. Financial limitations and resistance from her family initially made it challenging to pursue professional sports, but she continued training and working towards international recognition.
Earlier in 2026, she also challenged for the WBC Asia atomweight title in Bangkok but could not secure the championship.
The victory in Thailand marks an important breakthrough for Pakistan's presence in international women's professional boxing. Batool entered the championship bout as Pakistan's top-ranked female professional boxer and was also ranked third in the WBC Asia rankings.
Her achievement reflects years of training and determination, taking her from the national boxing circuit in Quetta to an international championship. The title also brings greater attention to Pakistani women competing in professional combat sports.
Following the victory, Batool thanked her family, coach Shariq Khan and supporters across Pakistan for standing behind her journey.
