Abida Batool Becomes First Pakistani Woman to Win WIBA World Atomweight Title
Quetta-born boxer Abida Batool defeated Thailand's Wandee Sinongkhrot in Pattaya to claim the vacant WIBA world atomweight title, marking a historic first for Pakistani women in professional boxing.
Pakistani boxer Abida Batool has scripted history by becoming the first woman from the country to win a Women's International Boxing Association (WIBA) world title. The 26-year-old from Quetta claimed the vacant atomweight crown with a split technical decision over Thailand's Wandee Sinongkhrot at FCC Stadium in Pattaya on October 31, during the "Brave Hearts" boxing event.
The scheduled eight-round bout was halted in the fifth round after an accidental headbutt left Batool with a fractured nose. The ringside doctor stopped the contest, sending the outcome to the judges' scorecards. Two judges scored the fight 50-45 and 49-48 in Batool's favour, while the third gave it 48-47 to Sinongkhrot.
The victory marks a significant step in Batool's professional career and follows an earlier title attempt in Thailand this year. In January, she challenged Wisuta Sririttidet for the WBC Asia atomweight title in Bangkok but fell short. Before her latest win, Batool was already ranked as Pakistan's top female professional boxer and third in the WBC Asia rankings, a standing her world title is expected to strengthen internationally.
Batool began boxing in 2018 and has since won Pakistan's national professional boxing title. She has also competed in mixed martial arts, wushu and kickboxing, collecting medals at national and international events. Her path to the top was marked by financial hardship and early resistance from her family, yet she persisted with training and prepared extensively in Islamabad before travelling to Thailand.
After the fight, Batool thanked her family, coach Shariq Khan and the people of Pakistan for their backing. "This is just the beginning. I'm coming for more titles," she said, signalling ambitions for further championship success. Her achievement is expected to raise the profile of women's boxing in Pakistan and inspire other athletes pursuing combat sports.
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
