Pictures: Iraqi women boxers aim sucker punch at gender taboos

More than 100 women boxers competed in a tournament in December

Published: January 06, 2022 17:03 Compiled by Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor with inputs from AFP

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Bushra al-Hajjar, a 35-year-old Iraqi boxing instructor, is pictured during a training session at the Islamic University in Najaf. Image Credit: AFP

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In Iraq's city of Najaf, the sight of a women's boxing hall is unusual, but, like others here, the 35-year-old boxing instructor Bushra al-Hajjar is fighting deeply-ingrained taboos. Image Credit: REUTERS

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During a training session with boxing coach professor Hassan Khalil at the Islamic University in Najaf. Image Credit: AFP

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At home, I have a full training room, with mats and a punching bag," said the mother of two, who also practises karate. Above, Bushra al-Hajjar with her mother and son at their home in Najaf. Image Credit: AFP

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Hajjar won gold in the 70-kilogram class at a boxing tournament in Baghdad in December. Image Credit: AFP

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Boxing student Ola Mustafa, 16, taking a break from her punching bag, said: "We live in a macho society that opposes success for women." Image Credit: AFP

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"My family and friends are very supportive, they're very happy with the level I've reached," she said. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Twice a week, she trains at a private university in Najaf, 100 kilometres south of Baghdad, where she also teaches sports. Image Credit: REUTERS

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In overwhelmingly conservative Iraq, and particularly in Najaf, Hajjar acknowledges her adventure has raised eyebrows. "We've come across many difficulties," she said. "We're a conservative society that has difficulty accepting these kinds of things." She recalls the protests when training facilities first opened for women, but said "today, there are many halls". Image Credit: AFP

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Iraqi boxing federation president Ali Taklif acknowledges that Iraqi women engaging in the sport is a "recent phenomenon", but says it is gaining ground. "There is a lot of demand from females wanting to join," he said, adding that Iraq now has some 20 women's boxing clubs. Image Credit: REUTERS

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More than 100 women boxers have competed in a December tournament, in all categories, he added. But "like other sports (in Iraq), the discipline suffers from a lack of infrastructure, training facilities and equipment". Above, Bushra walks with her family at Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq. Image Credit: REUTERS

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