CONNECTOR.AE 52 CONNECTOR.AE 53 Lifestyle Lifestyle At 34, Fahima initially brushed off her coach’s advice but later took it seriously, embarking on rigorous training at a new gym under his guidance. Despite facing setbacks with her first two fights being cancelled, Fahima continued. Fate showed its magic when the UAE Boxing Federation approached her, marking a turning point in her journey. From that day forward, Fahima remained firm, determined to pursue her dream of becoming the first Emirati female boxer. Fahima Falaknaz Wins Asian Women’s Boxing Championship In Thailand In April 2019, Fahima made history as the first Emirati woman to participate in the Asian Women’s Boxing Championship in Thailand. Achieving all this while maintaining full-time employment, Fahima dedicated herself entirely. From dedicating 2 to 3 hours daily to her training, to coaching young children, while not getting enough sleep, she balanced it all with unwavering commitment. Sharing her winning experience, Fahima smiles and adds, “It was an incredible feeling. Our initial training camp took place in Uzbekistan, followed by Thailand before the Asian Championships. It was challenging, but I refused to let fear or negative thoughts consume me, as this journey was my choice. I made a commitment to myself that once I stepped into the ring, I would give it my all, regardless of the outcome. Embracing this mindset, I embarked on the experience wholeheartedly. Making my country and family proud was immensely gratifying, allowing me to give back to the nation that has provided me with countless opportunities.” not to fight, but for yourself, to become stronger and to strengthen your mind. It’s an empowering feeling.” Message For Young Girls “For girls, navigating through emotional challenges is tough. It’s crucial to be self-aware, process your feelings, and not let others’ opinions bring you down. Trust yourself more than anyone else. Not all advice is right for you, so stick to your values and goals. Stay focused on what matters to you in life, even if you’re aware of what others are doing. Always prioritise your path and understand your desires.” Locals Lauded Fahima’s Win The victory was destined for Fahima. Despite cultural constraints and the pressure of being the first to represent her country in boxing, she strived, refusing to let age or stereotypes hinder her. Though her family feared for her safety, they remained fiercely proud of her achievements. Following her triumph, Fahima received overwhelming support and congratulations from the local UAE community, who embraced her win wholeheartedly. Fahima Continues To Inspire Women By Teaching Boxing Fahima may have stepped away from the ring, but her focus now is on inspiring children, particularly girls, to take up boxing. Fahima believes in its power to not only cultivate physical strength but also to strengthen the mind. Fahima adds, “Train and learn boxing
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