Shahnaz Kamal is an anomaly in the male-dominated sport of boxing, especially in a nation like Pakistan where gender stereotypes are rigidly upheld.
Kamal, a former professional boxer, is the only woman registered as a coach with the Pakistan Boxing Federation.
During a training session, Shahnaz Kamal Khan makes gestures while instructing the trainees. Kamal remarked, “I had to deal with a lot of opposition from several angles. “My family, my in-laws, and all of my other relatives were all against me. The only person who helped me was my husband. But after I reached a certain level and started teaching at the national and then international levels, everyone began applauding me. Prior to that, I had numerous challenges everywhere. Even my village had to be abandoned.
“My husband, taught me as his student. He showed me how to box,” she said. “I was a trained boxer. I learned boxing for two years, my husband gave me all of my training.”
Kamal is the only female 3-star national boxer and the only foreign boxing coach in Pakistan. To teach young boys and girls boxing methods, Kamal travels the countryside in an old car outfitted with a portable boxing ring with the help of her husband and brothers.
Female boxers were introduced by us for the first time in Pakistani history, according to Kamal. “In Peshawar, we kicked off the first [training] camp. For Peshawar, it is a question of pride. After our girls won medals, one was from KP and one from Multan. At the South Asia Games, they won bronze medals for Pakistan after receiving our training.”
Syed Kamal Khan, Kamal’s husband, is proud of his wife’s success despite widespread traditional prejudices towards women boxers in Pakistan.
He stated, “My own wife boxed and coaches boxing.” We are on a positive path, thank God; we are not on a negative path. There is no shame in it; we don’t feel bad about it; and we don’t care what other people think. This is a wonderful way. A sport is a good path; it’s the best.
The lack of government backing for women in sports has upset the Kamals. But they continue because of their shared passion for the game.
Shahnaz Kamal declared, “If I had my way, I would teach all girls boxing for self-defense.”
“Numerous issues that affect women are widespread in our society. I don’t understand why parents believe girls shouldn’t box.”
The Kamals claim that boxing won’t make them wealthy, but they want young females should have the same possibilities as boys.
