Fatima Secures Pakistan’s First Medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games
KARACHI: Pakistan opened its medal account at the 2026 Commonwealth Games through women’s boxing, with Fatima Zahra winning a bronze medal in the 60kg category.
Fatima had already secured a place on the podium by reaching the semifinals. She, however, could not advance to the final after suffering a defeat against Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh.
Under the tournament rules, both boxers who lose in the semifinals are awarded bronze medals, ensuring Fatima Zahra Pakistan’s first medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem faced an early exit from the javelin final despite being one of the athletes expected to challenge for the title.
Much of the attention surrounding the event was focused on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan contest between Arshad Nadeem and India’s Neeraj Chopra. However, Sri Lankan thrower Rumesh Pathirage produced the standout performance with an impressive 89.75-metre throw.
Arshad Nadeem’s best attempt measured 77.41 metres, which was not enough to keep him in the competition. He finished among the four athletes eliminated after the opening three rounds.
Neeraj Chopra, meanwhile, registered a throw of 85.83 metres to secure second position in the javelin final.
