Zinnat shines on national debut with stunning gold medal win

The Mohammad Ali Boxing Stadium bore witness to a commanding yet elegant performance from US-based boxer Zinnat Ferdous, who claimed gold in the women’s 52kg final at the National Boxing Championships on Thursday.

Zinnat, whose arrival had stirred much excitement in local sports circles, made a memorable debut on Bangladeshi soil. The US-raised boxer exceeded expectations and validated the buzz surrounding her name with a dazzling display in the ring.

Up against Afra Khandaker in the final, Zinnat showcased her superior class from the opening bell—attacking with pace, precision footwork, and composed defence. Her relentless pressure kept Afra on the back foot, though the young fighter showed remarkable spirit, absorbing the barrage and responding with a few counters of her own.

Afra’s elder sister, national women’s football team captain Afieeda Khandaker, watched from the stands along with their parents, cheering her on. But even their passionate support couldn’t tip the scales against Zinnat’s clinical execution.

“She’s a very good player,” Afra said after the match. “It was a new experience for me to face someone with such attacking skills. After the fight, she hugged me and said, ‘Good fight.’”

Zinnat, speaking to the media after her victory, said, “I want everyone to know that Bangladeshi boys and girls want to play. If they’re given the facilities and opportunities, they can do really well. They have the talent.”

When asked which bout posed a greater challenge—the semi-final against Ashia or the final against Afra—she calmly replied, “I played my game and I won. They were both different kinds of opponents.”