PATTAYA, Thailand: Pakistan’s Abida Batool has made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a world title recognised by the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA), claiming the vacant atomweight crown with a split technical decision victory over Thailand’s Wandee Sinongkhrot.
The 26-year-old boxer from Quetta secured the title on October 31 at FCC Stadium in Pattaya during the ‘Brave Hearts’ boxing event.
The scheduled eight-round contest was stopped in the fifth round after an accidental clash of heads left Batool with a fractured nose. Following the ringside doctor’s decision to halt the fight, the result was referred to the judges’ scorecards.
Two judges awarded the victory to Batool, scoring the contest 50-45 and 49-48, while the third favoured her Thai opponent 48-47, handing the Pakistani boxer the title through a split technical decision.
Abida Batool became Pakistan’s first woman WIBA world atomweight champion after defeating Thailand’s Wandee Sinongkhrot by technical knockout in the fifth round in Pattaya.
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The victory marks a major milestone in Batool’s professional career and represents a significant achievement for women’s boxing in Pakistan.
It was her second title challenge in Thailand this year. In January, she contested the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia atomweight title against Wisuta Sririttidet in Bangkok but failed to secure the championship.
Before her latest triumph, Batool was ranked Pakistan’s leading female professional boxer and third in the WBC Asia rankings.
She had also won the country’s national professional boxing title and competed in mixed martial arts (MMA), wushu and kickboxing, earning medals in national and international competitions.
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Batool began her boxing career in 2018, overcoming financial difficulties and initial opposition from her family. Despite challenges, she remained committed to the sport and continued her training, including an intensive preparation stint in Islamabad ahead of her Thailand assignment.
Following her historic victory, Batool thanked her family, coach Shariq Khan and the people of Pakistan for their support. Expressing confidence about her future ambitions, she said: “This is just the beginning. I’m coming for more titles.”
Her achievement is expected to inspire aspiring female boxers, particularly in Balochistan and her hometown of Quetta, and encourage greater participation of women in professional combat sports.
