British-Pakistani boxer Laura Akram has secured Pakistan’s first-ever world-level medal in women’s boxing after advancing to the semifinals at the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic, a major event under the World Boxing Challenge.
The 39-year-old delivered a commanding performance in the quarterfinals of the 57-kg category, defeating Palestine’s Noura Salman with a unanimous 5-0 decision. Under Olympic-style boxing rules, all semifinalists are awarded a bronze medal, regardless of the outcome in the next round.
🏴🇵🇰 Boxer Laura Akram takes Pakistan to the semi-finals! sheb got 5-0 points victory over Nora, Now, she will face Erdenedalai from Mongolia. Laura has become the first female boxer to win a medal in the World Boxing.
She is the current Pakistan National Champion, pic.twitter.com/XxpAFApVTA— Muhammad Yousaf (ANJUM) (@imyousafanjum) June 12, 2025
Since committing to represent Pakistan internationally in 2023, Akram has rapidly established herself as a leading figure in the sport. Already a national champion, her success at the international level marks a breakthrough moment for Pakistani women in combat sports.
Laura Akram takes Pakistan to the semi-finals with a brilliant 5-0 points victory over Nora .Now she will face Erdenedalai from Mongolia. Laura has become the first female elite boxer to win a medal for Pakistan 🇵🇰 in the World Boxing Challenge.PBF pic.twitter.com/6FvS1RHNbN
— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) June 12, 2025
Akram’s achievement is seen as a milestone for the country’s boxing scene, inspiring a new generation of female athletes.
Her next challenge will be a semifinal bout against Mongolia’s Michidmaa Erdenedalai, with the winner progressing to the final to compete for gold.