Fahima Falaknaz. Photo: Instagram/@realboxingonly
Having been one of the first female boxers, alongside Hanan Ibrahim al Zyodi, to represent the UAE at the Asian Women’s Boxing Championship last year, Fahima Falaknaz has since paved the way for several other women who intend to follow in her footsteps. While she can often be found packing a punch at the UAE Boxing Federation Training Centre, Falaknaz is now taking her expertise to the public, offering a ladies-only boxing class at the Real Boxing Only Gym in Al Quoz, Dubai.
Following the dismissal of an archaic rule that once prohibited fighters from competing in hijabs, Falaknaz and other female fighters seized the opportunity to take their rightful place in the ring. Commenting on the culture-shifting work she and her colleagues have been doing, Falaknaz says that while boxing has become a huge part of her life over the last three years, she is cognizant of how privileged she is to play a part in her country’s history—something female fighters before her would not have had the opportunity to do. “I am grateful that I have access to this sport,” she says.
In learning about the benefits boxing has to offer, Falaknaz hopes to share the joy she derives from the sport with more women from her background. “Boxing isn’t about fighting,” she says. “It is about becoming better than you were and learning the self-discipline to be that person every day, to focus on your own power.” Addressing the classes she will soon teach at the Real Boxing Only Gym, Falaknaz says she is excited about reaching more women who are seeking the same joy, strength and power she knows boxing can provide them with. Commenting on the partnership, Managing Director of the Real Boxing Only Gym, Michelle Kuehn says, “personally, I am excited as my mission has been to make boxing accessible for everyone – no one should be unable to box.”
The ladies-only classes will run every Saturday at the Real Boxing Only Gym. Attendees may book online or call 04 272 7774 to reserve their spot.
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