We’re very lucky to have a country with so many incredible women. However, we don’t celebrate our sportswomen nearly enough! There are hundreds of stories of women who have pushed beyond societal expectations to achieve greatness – so today we’re going to celebrate them! From cricket (the nation’s favourite!) to mountaineering and martial arts, Pakistani women continue to break barriers and make history. These are the women who are smashing world records, getting Pakistan recognised on the international sports scene, and making waves just as big as the men’s teams! Let’s get to know them.

Nida Dar

Nida Dar is the current captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, and beyond that. She is a force to be reckoned with! Her leadership was crucial in Pakistan’s historic 3-0 T20I series victory against South Africa in September 2023. It’s not often you see a – true – all-rounder in cricket, but Dar exemplifies this. She’s a veteran all-rounder, able to perform with both bat and ball. As though she was born with one in each hand. That series we just mentioned. She contributed significantly – in all departments.

During the second T20I match, Dar’s unwavering, unflappable leadership allowed Pakistan to chase down a challenging target of 150 runs. Not to forget Aliya Riaz’s 53 off 48 balls playing a pivotal role. Sure, this series win showcased Dar’s captaincy for its brilliance, but it also showed just how far women’s cricket has come in Pakistan. Dar is – the first – Pakistani woman to achieve 100 wickets in T20Is – no mean feat. We hope to see plenty more of this bowling, batting powerhouse!

Nargis Hameedullah

Have you heard of Nargis Hameedullah? We’d place a wager that you have! Hameedullah became a household name after winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. It was a truly history making moment as it marked our first ever medal in Karate at the continental level. She competed in the 68kg category and has continued to succeed ever since. While karate still doesn’t have even nearly the following that cricket does, this sport is rapidly becoming more popular amongst the younger generation, particularly girls who’ve been inspired by Hameedullah.

Sana Mir

There are some players that are – so – powerful that their mere presence on the pitch is all it takes to shift the odds. That’s the case for Sana Mir! It’s no secret that when it comes to sports betting online, cricket is the place that we invest most of our time – and money! Sana Mir’s contributions to Pakistan’s women’s cricket are, to put it lightly, legendary.

As the former captain of Pakistan’s women’s cricket team, she genuinely transformed us into a competitive force. A country to be reckoned with. On the world stage. Under her leadership, we won gold medals at both the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games!

Mir’s individual accolades are – just – as impressive as her team ones. Her most impressive career feat to date – I hope she would agree – was becoming the first Pakistani cricketer to be the named (drum roll please) the top ODI bowler in the world! Yes, male or female. Mir was the best. Not only is this a – ridiculous – achievement, but she was also the first Pakistani woman to take 100 ODI wickets. Talk about smashing it out the park.

Samina Baig

We can’t argue with the facts, cricket is – undoubtedly – the most popular sport in Pakistan. But our women have been making waves elsewhere too! Samina Baig took Pakistan’s name to the highest point on Earth – literally – back in 2013. She was the first Pakistani woman (ever) to reach the peak of Mount Everest.

Hailing from the Gilgit-Baltistan region, mountaineering was practically a part of Baig’s DNA. So, she didn’t stop after Everest! Just a year after that, she completed the Seven Summits – for those who don’t know, the highest mountain on each of the Earth’s continents. She’s since received the prestigious Pride of Performance award for her commitment to this tough and gritty sport. Next time you’ve got a hefty flight of stairs to climb, think of Baig, and channel your inner mountaineer!

Hajra Khan

Hajra Khan is not just an incredibly skilled footballer – though she is one of those! No, she’s also a political powerhouse and a dedicated workhorse too! She’s worked tirelessly to bring Pakistan’s footballing prowess into the national consciousness. Currently the captain of the women’s national football team, she (practically singlehandedly) led the return to international football after a staggering – eight year – hiatus. Sure, we didn’t make it to the finals, but to be back on the international scene alone is a major achievement. And one that we should all be thanking Hajra Khan for.

Not only this but, she’s also a two-time Guinness World Record holder! Her records were both made in 2018, when she participated in two marathon length football matches all the way in France. The event was organised to promote gender equality in sports – and what with Khan holding two records, we’d say she’s well on the way to achieving her goal!