New Delhi

In its series Parwaz featuring extraordinary Muslim women of India, Awaz-the Voice brings you the stories of ten Muslim sportswomen, each one a name to reckon with in her field. Their achievements and acts of bringing glory to the nation have often come after they dared to defy social norms and relentless pursuit of their dreams. Their achievements have also resulted in a change in the attitude of society towards Muslim women:

Here are their brief stories:

Afiya Pathan

From the narrow lanes of Nagpur, Alfiya Pathan has risen to become a world champion. Her journey was marked by persistence and quiet defiance of societal norms. Inspired by her brother and the film Mary Kom, she trained rigorously despite resistance, eventually clinching gold at the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championship in Kalisz with a dominant performance.

Known for her sharp technique in the ring and simplicity off it, Alfiya’s rise reflects the making of a formidable athlete who continues to chase Olympic dreams while inspiring young girls to step beyond conventional boundaries.

Alima Rahman

In Kolkata, Alima Rahman—popularly known as the ‘Hijabi Biker’—has carved a unique identity by confidently riding through the city streets while staying rooted in her faith. Encouraged by her father despite societal resistance, she overcame ridicule and harassment to assert that women are equally capable in all fields.

Today, she stands not just as a biker but as a symbol of empowerment, promoting road safety and redefining the balance between tradition and modern aspirations.

Aneesa Sayyad

At a time when Indian shooting celebrates stars like Manu Bhaker and Abhinav Bindra, the story of Aneesa Sayyad remains a powerful yet understated chapter. Rising from modest beginnings in Maharashtra, she built her own practice setup at home before achieving glory at the 2010 Commonwealth Games with double gold in the 25-metre pistol event.

Despite her achievements, she faced institutional neglect and personal challenges, and now lives a quieter life in Faridabad, her journey serving as a poignant reminder of both excellence and the struggles faced by many athletes beyond their peak.

Fariha Zaman 

Hailing from Guwahati, Fariha Zaman overcame administrative hurdles and personal adversity to become the ‘Backstroke Queen of India’. A prodigy who began swimming as a toddler, she went on to set national records and win multiple international medals. Forced to leave Assam due to systemic issues, she later returned with a vision to nurture future talent as part of the Sports Authority of Assam, determined to ensure that upcoming swimmers do not face the challenges she once endured.

Nazreen Ahmed

Breaking barriers in an era when women’s cricket had little recognition, Nazreen Ahmed from Guwahati emerged as a pioneer of the sport. Training under Lala Amarnath, she led Assam to its first major victory in women’s cricket in 1981, showcasing resilience despite minimal facilities and societal constraints. Later, balancing a distinguished administrative career, she continues to advocate for the growth of women’s cricket, her journey forming the foundation for today’s stars like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.

Nikhat Zareen

From Nizamabad, Nikhat Zareen has emerged as one of India’s most celebrated boxing champions, transforming early struggles and societal resistance into global success. Training at the Sports Authority of India, she rose through the ranks to win back-to-back gold medals at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in 2022 and 2023, along with a Commonwealth Games gold. Her journey reflects not only sporting excellence but also the growing empowerment of women through sport.

Umaira 

In Kannur, powerlifter Umaira has redefined age and gender norms by beginning her sporting journey at 39 and rising to national prominence. Competing in the Masters category, she has secured multiple medals with an impressive combined lift of around 350 kg, all while balancing family responsibilities and her role as a trainer. Despite injuries and financial constraints, her journey reflects determination and the growing acceptance of women in strength sports.

Shahnaz Parveen

Shahnaz Parveen’s story goes far beyond a simple victory; it is an inspiring journey of struggle, determination, and the realisation of dreams. Recently, she showcased exceptional talent and mental strength by winning the gold medal at the All India Inter-University Taekwondo Championship held in Balasore. Amid tough competition, she overcame every opponent with discipline, strategy, and confidence, emerging as an outstanding athlete.

Today, Shahnaz stands as an inspiration for countless young girls who are forced to suppress their dreams due to social barriers. Her journey proves that with strong willpower and relentless effort, no obstacle is insurmountable.

Saba Anjum Karim

From the modest lanes of Durg in Chhattisgarh, Saba Anjum Karim rose to become one of India’s finest hockey forwards.Beginning with a broken stick and humble incentives, she overcame financial hardship and social barriers to play a crucial role in India’s gold medal win at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

With over 90 international goals and prestigious honours like the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri, she continues to inspire as a police officer and role model for young athletes.

Tajamul Islam

From Bandipora, Kashmir, Tajamul Islam rose to become a world champion in kickboxing. She not only comes from the periphery of India but also from a region that lacked amenities and the culture of women's sports. She trained relentlessly and achieved international fame by winning gold at the World Kickboxing Championship 2016 at the age of eight.

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Beyond her achievements, she has sparked a quiet social transformation, inspiring young girls to challenge stereotypes and pursue their ambitions with confidence.