Pakistan’s Afzal Khan and Fatima Zehra Begin Commonwealth Games Boxing Campaigns With Victories

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Pakistan’s boxing team made an encouraging start to its Commonwealth Games campaign as Afzal Khan and Fatima Zehra recorded impressive victories in their opening bouts at the SEC Centre in Glasgow.

Both boxers advanced to the next stage of their respective competitions after delivering strong performances in the ring.

Afzal Khan Advances to Round of 16

Competing in the men’s 65kg category, Afzal Khan defeated Jovanie Bouzin of Seychelles by unanimous decision.

Afzal displayed disciplined boxing throughout the contest, combining accurate punching with solid defensive movement. His consistent performance earned favorable scores from all five judges, securing his place in the Round of 16.

After a closely contested opening round, the Pakistani boxer increased the pace in the second and maintained control through the final round to complete a convincing victory.

Fatima Zehra Reaches Quarter-Finals

Pakistan’s success continued in the women’s 50kg division, where Fatima Zehra produced a commanding performance against Realeboha Segoete of Lesotho.

Fatima controlled the bout from the outset and scored multiple knockdowns before the referee stopped the contest in the second round.

The victory sends the 22-year-old boxer through to the quarter-finals, giving Pakistan another strong result in the tournament.

Mixed Results in Other Events

Pakistan’s athletes also competed in swimming and lawn bowls during the day’s events.

Swimming

• Jehanara Nabi competed in the women’s 50m butterfly, finishing her heat with a time of 29.99 seconds. Although she won her heat, the overall time was not enough to qualify for the semi-finals.
• Ahmad Durrani participated in the men’s 200m individual medley, recording a time of 2:09.79, which was not sufficient to progress to the final.

Lawn Bowls

In the men’s singles event, Ayub Qureshi faced Ross Owen of Wales in his opening match. Owen secured the victory, while Qureshi will look to improve in his remaining competition opportunities.

Positive Start for Pakistan Boxing

The victories by Afzal Khan and Fatima Zehra provide Pakistan with a strong opening in the boxing competition, with both athletes advancing to the next rounds.