UP Police Intensify Search For Gangster Mukhtar Ansari's Wife Afsha, Conduct Raids At 61 Locations
New Age Islam News Bureau
06 May 2026
· UP police intensify search for gangster Mukhtar Ansari's wife Afsha, conduct raids at 61 locations
· Muslim women‑led nonprofits are engaging in advocacy despite facing a surge in Islamophobia
· Govt to ensure healthcare for all citizens: Says Zubaida
· Syrian women’s rights advocates affirm their commitment to securing their rights constitutionally
· HC questions legality of NCP leader Monira Sharmin’s candidacy cancellation
· US Envoy Calls for Release of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi
· Matiullah Wesa wins 2026 Freedom Prize in France
· QU graduates its distinguished female students as part of 49th cohort
· Zamzam Al Hammadi: Paving the Way for Emirati Women in MMA
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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UP police intensify search for gangster Mukhtar Ansari's wife Afsha, conduct raids at 61 locations
Namita Bajpai
05 May 2026
Afsha Ansari, pictured with her husband, the late gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari.File photo |X
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LUCKNOW: Speeding up the search for absconding Afsha Ansari, wife of late gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, Uttar Pradesh Police conducted raids at 61 locations linked to the mafia and detained 24 people for questioning.
Mukhtar’s house in Darjitola Yusufpur in Mohammadabad was also raided, where police said they received important clues about Afsha, who has evaded arrest for years despite a cash reward of Rs 50,000.
Ghazipur SP Iraj Raja said the action continued through Sunday night, with 12 teams from five police stations formed to gather information on Afsha’s whereabouts.
The SP said premises of 61 family members, gang associates and supporters linked to the IS-191 Mukhtar Ansari gang were searched. He added that these individuals had faced cancellation of 91 arms licences in the past five years, and police were aware of where their weapons had been deposited or surrendered. A total of 24 people were taken to police stations for questioning.
Explaining the raids, Raja said police had noticed objectionable activities aimed at disturbing peace in several areas after the launch of 'Operation Vajra'. “During the same operation, the persons involved in those activities were identified, after which teams were formed to search the places of these 61 members and well-wishers of Mukhtar gang,” said the SP.
Families of those not found were warned to produce them for questioning and preparation of dossiers. “The dossiers will help us in combatting organised crime in future.”
Raja said police also questioned Mukhtar’s family members at his residence. He added that focus remained on tracing Afsha Ansari, who did not surrender despite being declared an absconder and carrying a reward even before Mukhtar’s death in Banda jail in March 2024.
Though Afsha was not found, Raja said police obtained vital clues and efforts were continuing to nab her. The action follows earlier crackdowns between 2019 and 2020 targeting the gang’s economic network and weapons. No major action had been reported since 2025 after Mukhtar’s death and the release of his MLA son Abbas Ansari on court orders.
Source: newindianexpress.com
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/uttar-pradesh/2026/May/05/up-police-intensify-search-for-gangster-mukhtar-ansaris-wife-afsha-conduct-raids-at-61-locations
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Muslim women‑led nonprofits are engaging in advocacy despite facing a surge in Islamophobia
May 5, 2026
Two police officers wear American flag head scarfs at a World Hijab Day event on Feb. 1, 2017, in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Nonprofits led by Muslim women remain extensively engaged in a wide range of civic activities, even though 72% say they have experienced Islamophobia in their work.
That’s one of the main findings of the study that we conducted together. It is the basis of the applied research project – a type of dissertation – that one of us (Hussain) completed for her professional doctorate in philanthropic leadership. It will be posted online in mid-2026 to Indiana University’s scholarship repository.
We surveyed 292 Muslim women who lead nonprofits across the U.S. We connected with these organizations through national networks, including the Muslim Women Leadership Circle and Islamic Schools League of America. We interviewed people who lived in 18 states; the largest numbers of respondents were in California, New York, Florida and Texas.
About 19% of the nonprofits these women lead focus on religious and cultural programming. Another 17% are centered on education, while 16% focus on direct social services, such as family support and crisis intervention.
The other most common issues the nonprofits address include gender, healthcare, mental health, civil rights, anti-racism efforts, housing and environmental protection.
We found that 93% of these organizations engage in advocacy activities – actions aimed at influencing government policy or decisions. The organizations used an average of 3.6 different advocacy approaches.
Their most common approaches focused on building relationships with government officials. About 57% discussed obtaining grants or contracts with those officials, while 35% worked in planning or advisory groups. Roughly 54% said they regularly released research reports to the media, policymakers and the public, establishing themselves as experts on issues affecting their communities.
About 34% went beyond advocacy by engaging in some lobbying for policy proposals they support, while 39% encouraged their organizations’ members to contact policymakers about issues affecting their communities, including civil rights protections, immigration reform and healthcare access.
The majority of these groups had experienced Islamophobia. We heard them describe those incidents in detail.
“Staff and volunteers have experienced anxiety, fear and trauma due to verbal harassment, microaggressions and bias incidents,” one of the Muslim women who lead nonprofits that we interviewed said.
Organizations also said their property had been damaged in acts of suspected vandalism. Another nonprofit leader said her organization had experienced “broken windows, graffiti and damaged signage.”
Why it matters
We conducted this survey from December 2024 through February 2025, a period when anti-Muslim discrimination surged to record levels, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights group. It compiled a list of 8,658 complaints of anti-Muslim incidents in 2024, the most it has ever tracked.
Following the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, anti-Muslim hate crimes in major U.S. cities increased 18% in 2024 – marking the fourth consecutive annual rise. This climate of heightened discrimination persists: After our survey concluded, anti-Muslim incidents have continued at elevated levels since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began in March 2026.
Research on civic engagement suggests that experiencing discrimination leads marginalized groups to become less engaged in civic life.
But these Muslim women leaders aren’t waiting to be invited into democratic processes. They’re building influence by cultivating relationships, producing research and engaging in direct advocacy.
The emphasis these leaders place on building ongoing relationships shows that they understand that lasting political influence requires sustained connection. Their work – including the research they produce and their lobbying efforts – demonstrates their resilience: They have remained civically active despite systemic discrimination.
What still isn’t known
This survey captured a snapshot of Muslim women nonprofit leaders’ civic engagement at one point in time. Future research examining these patterns over a longer period could indicate whether advocacy strategies shift as organizations mature, how leaders respond to changing political climates, and whether experiencing discrimination affects their civic engagement over the long term.
Studies covering a longer stretch of time could also track whether the relationship between Islamophobia and advocacy activity remains consistent over time, or if certain strategies become more or less effective when conditions change.
Source: theconversation.com
https://theconversation.com/muslim-women-led-nonprofits-are-engaging-in-advocacy-despite-facing-a-surge-in-islamophobia-278138
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Govt to ensure healthcare for all citizens: Says Zubaida
6 MAY 2026
Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, yesterday said the government is making strides to ensure healthcare for all citizens.
“The country’s health sector has long suffered from negligence. However, the government is working to build a system where no citizen is deprived of necessary medical services,” she said while speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting at Kurmitola General Hospital in Dhaka.
The hospital authorities organised the event, titled “Implementation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s electoral pledges to establish equality in healthcare for the general and marginalised people in Dhaka-17”.
Zubaida said, “We have gathered here today to provide the best possible healthcare services for residents of Korail, Bhashantek and Sat Tala slums.”
She noted that government hospitals are under excessive pressure, healthcare workers are discouraged and unevenly deprived, and access to quality healthcare remains a daily struggle for millions.
She added that 72 percent of healthcare costs are borne directly by the people, making illness one of the main causes of poverty.
“We want to ensure that people in Korail, Bhashantek and Sat Tala are never deprived of medical services. Pregnant women must have quick and easy access to care for complications,” she said.
Highlighting the contribution of the local residents, she said they are the backbone of the city, sustaining its daily life and strengthening the garment industry through their hard work.
However, 42.6 percent of residents seek solutions to daily health problems from local pharmacies, often trying to recover at any cost just to avoid missing work, she mentioned.
Zubaida emphasised the need for dedicated volunteers in the area to inform people about available services at Kurmitola General Hospital.
Healthcare services are completely free at Kurmitola Hospital, she added.
Among others, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain and Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon also spoke at the discussion.
Earlier, Zubaida Rahman inaugurated the pathology pavilion, gastro-liver centre, and a 50-bed ICU at Kurmitola General Hospital.
Source: thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/govt-ensure-healthcare-all-citizens-says-zubaida-4168656
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Syrian women’s rights advocates affirm their commitment to securing their rights constitutionally
6 May, 2026
Syrian activists and rights advocates spoke to ANHA agency about the future of Syrian women, highlighting the most significant challenges they currently face, while emphasizing their continued struggle against any obstacles that hinder their participation in decision-making processes and governance.
High competence
In this context, Jacqueline Boutros Hanno, a member of the Assyrian Democratic Party and a feminist activist, stated that Syrian women today are marginalized and systematically excluded, explaining that what is happening constitutes a real injustice against them on the ground.
She noted that the interim government does not greet women and lowers its gaze when seeing a woman, saying: “This is a real injustice against women.” She stressed the necessity for Syrian women to play a fundamental and active role in drafting the new constitution in a way that guarantees the entrenchment of their rights within it.
Jacqueline emphasized the importance of women’s presence within the structure of the Syrian state, particularly in decision-making positions, adding that this is a natural right and role for women after a long struggle to obtain their rights.
She pointed out that consolidating women’s rights in the constitution is the only guarantee for those rights and for their struggle, enabling them to access decision-making positions. She also noted that Syrian women possess high levels of competence in various fields, from which the current government could benefit.
Gap between official discourse and reality
Jacqueline Hanno highlighted that one of the most prominent obstacles facing women today is the fear experienced by most Syrian women regarding their future under the interim government, especially given the gap between official discourse and reality.
She affirmed that there are no real guarantees provided by the interim government, stressing that the only guarantor for women is women themselves, by intensifying their struggle collectively to secure their rights within the constitution.
She added that enshrining their rights in the constitution is an urgent necessity to protect them from exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination.
A new constitution that grants women their rights
She also pointed out that addressing women’s rights in Syria requires a new constitution that guarantees these rights, ensures effective political participation, and allocates a quota for women in parliament and institutions.
She stated that the current status of women in the interim government does not match the level of sacrifices made by Syrian women over years and decades of struggle and resistance.
For her part, legal expert Bashira Jamal al-Din considered that the role of women under the interim government is very weak and does not reflect the status of Syrian women with their high competencies.
Bashira agreed with Jacqueline that the only real guarantee of women’s rights is their enshrinement in a constitution that defines and regulates their presence in political and social life and in decision-making positions.
Participation in the constitution-drafting process
Regarding constitutional mechanisms to guarantee rights, Bashira explained that women’s committees and bodies must be formed as part of the constitution-drafting committees, noting that women themselves should be responsible for writing their rights into the constitution, rather than men attempting to take on these tasks.
She pointed to the challenges facing Syrian women in obtaining their rights, including the lack of acceptance of women in decision-making positions within a predominantly patriarchal society, in addition to a lack of trust in women’s capabilities in such roles.
She noted that guaranteeing women’s rights in the constitution could help address the problem of patriarchal mentality in society and reduce its intensity, enabling women to perform their roles more effectively.
Bashira is also believed that the Islamic background of the interim government negatively affects the role of women, which has been evident in practice through governing the country with a single color, ideology, and form, and representing women with only one woman.
Commitment to continuing the struggle
She added that the most prominent difficulties and risks threatening the future of women at the current stage include silencing their voices and preventing them from being heard both inside and outside Syria. She concluded by affirming that they will continue their struggle until the end to secure and protect their rights.
Meanwhile, feminist activist Avin Mohammad focused on the status women enjoyed under the Autonomous Administration, which granted them real opportunities to perform their roles effectively through a fixed quota of 50% in institutions and in the military field under a specific system.
Avin expressed concern about changes to the status of women in Rojava following integration with the interim government, where women’s representation does not exceed 1%, within the framework of implementing the January 29 agreement. She affirmed their rejection of any attempt to alter the status of women in Rojava and their refusal to accept reduced representation for women.
Source: hawarnews.com
https://hawarnews.com/en/syrian-womens-rights-advocates-affirm-their-commitment-to-securing-their-rights-constitutionally
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HC questions legality of NCP leader Monira Sharmin’s candidacy cancellation
6 MAY 2026
The High Court today issued a rule questioning the legality of the Election Commission’s decision to cancel the candidacy of National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Convener Monira Sharmin for women’s reserved seat in the 13th National Parliament.
In the rule, the court asked the EC and the government to explain why the cancellation of Monira Sharmin’s nomination paper should not be declared illegal.
The bench of Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury passed the order following a writ petition filed by Monira Sharmin challenging the cancellation of her candidacy.
Lawyers Mohammod Hossain Lipu, Mustafizur Rahman Khan, and Md Muzahidul Islam Shahin appeared for the writ petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Jamila Momtaz represented the state during the hearing.
Advocate Muzahidul Islam Shahin told The Daily Star that Monira Sharmin cannot contest the election as the High Court did not issue any directive to this effect.
Earlier, on April 30, Monira Sharmin filed the writ petition with the High Court challenging the legality of the EC’s decision to cancel her nomination for the reserved parliamentary seat.
On April 23, the returning officer had rejected her nomination paper, citing provisions of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The officer said she was not eligible to contest the election as three years had not yet passed since her resignation from government service.
She appealed to the Election Commission against the returning officer’s decision on April 26.
However, after a lengthy hearing the following day, the EC dismissed her appeal.
Source: thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/national-election-2026/news/hc-questions-legality-ncp-leader-monira-sharmins-candidacy-cancellation-4168981
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US Envoy Calls for Release of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi
MAY 5, 2026
Concerns over the health of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and political prisoner Narges Mohammadi are intensifying, with global officials now calling for her immediate medical treatment and release. Mike Waltz, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, said in a statement that the Islamic Republic has kept the human rights activist imprisoned for years for exposing violations against women and dissidents and is now blocking her access to critical medical care. He emphasized: “Get her to her doctors; release her now.”
These calls come alongside similar concerns raised by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who urged that Mohammadi receive urgent and condition-specific medical care. Volker Türk also warned that her chronic health issues have worsened due to the conditions of her detention, describing access to food, medicine, and healthcare in Iranian prisons as “critical.”
According to her family, Mohammadi suffered a suspected heart attack over a month ago. In recent days, as her health deteriorated rapidly, she was transferred from Zanjan Prison to a hospital. Her brother, speaking to the media, said she has been experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, severe headaches, and nausea, raising serious concerns about her heart condition. Both her family and the Nobel Committee in Norway have called for her immediate transfer to her treating physician in Tehran.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/news/152017-us-envoy-calls-for-release-of-nobel-laureate-narges-mohammadi/
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Matiullah Wesa wins 2026 Freedom Prize in France
By Fidel Rahmati
May 6, 2026
Afghan education activist Matiullah Wesa, founder of the Pen Path organisation and a prominent advocate for girls’ education, has been awarded the Normandy Freedom Prize 2026 in France. The award was decided by nearly 19,000 young voters from 75 countries.
Afghan education activist Matiullah Wesa has been named the winner of the Normandy Freedom Prize 2026, an international human rights award presented by the Normandy region in France.
The award was determined through a global vote involving 18,708 young people from 75 countries, according to organisers, who selected Wesa as the recipient of the prize’s eighth edition.
Wesa is the founder of the Pen Path initiative, which works with thousands of volunteers to promote access to education in underserved areas of Afghanistan, with a strong focus on girls’ schooling. He began his activism at the age of 17 and later expanded efforts to establish schools in remote regions.
He was detained by the Taliban in March 2023 over his activities and spent seven months in prison. Afghanistan remains the only country where girls and women are banned from secondary and higher education.
The Normandy Freedom Prize, established in 2019 by the Normandy region and the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace, is awarded annually to individuals or organisations defending human rights and freedoms.
The award ceremony is scheduled for 4 June in Caen, France, and is expected to bring together more than 4,000 young people along with veterans of the Second World War.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/matiullah-wesa-wins-2026-freedom-prize-in-france/
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QU graduates its distinguished female students as part of 49th cohort
05/05/2026
DOHA: Under the patronage of Consort of His Highness the Amir, HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, Qatar University (QU) organised the graduation ceremony of its 49th batch of distinguished female students, the Class of 2026, at the QU Sports and Events Complex on Tuesday.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, dignitaries, members of the University’s Board of Regents, university vice presidents, college deans, and students’ families. HH Sheikha Jawaher honoured 525 distinguished female students, out of a total of 3,122 female graduates from various academic disciplines at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
In his speech on this occasion, President of QU, Dr Omar Al Ansari, said, “Today, we celebrate the graduation of the 49th cohort of Qatar University students and welcome 4,024 graduates into the ongoing journey of advancing our nation. Over nearly five decades, Qatar University has continued to fulfilits role in preparing qualified graduates for the labor market and contributing to national development through high-quality academic education that keeps pace with evolving demands and supports a knowledge-based economy.”
Dr Al Ansari added, “Our wise leadership has placed strong emphasis on investing in people, recognizing them as the nation’s greatest asset. Education has remained at the forefront of these priorities, as a foundation for preparing generations capable of leading the future with confidence and competence.”
He further stated: “Qatar University has long stood as a beacon of knowledge, grounded in the belief that learning is both essential and lifelong. Today, it continues to move forward with confidence, strengthening its position locally and globally through the implementation of its strategic positioning review, an initiative that reinforces its identity and its role in leading the higher education system and advancing a knowledge-based economy.”
“This role is rooted in a national vision that brings together education and research in service of the nation and in pursuit of sustainable impact. It is the same vision that has supported the empowerment of women, enabling Qatari women to play an active role across various fields. Graduates of Qatar University have contributed meaningfully to national development, and today, the growing proportion of female graduates reflects the outcomes of this empowerment, alongside the dedication of students, the support of their families, and the trust placed in the university by society.”
Addressing the female graduates, Dr Al Ansari said: “My daughters, today you mark the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, reaching this well-deserved moment through your excellence and determination. What you achieve today is not simply a degree, but a foundation of experience, values, and the ability to shape the future. Carry the University’s values with you, move forward with confidence, let knowledge be your light and integrity be your guide. The future ahead of you is full of promise. Move toward it with confidence to fulfill your aspirations and serve your nation.”
In closing, the president said: “I extend my appreciation to the parents who are partners in this achievement and thank you for your trust in Qatar University. I also thank my colleagues among the faculty and staff for their dedication and commitment to advancing the University’s mission and sustaining its excellence. We pray that this graduation marks the beginning of a journey filled with achievement and leadership, and that Allah (SWT) continues to bless the State of Qatar with security, stability, and prosperity under its wise leadership.”
Graduate Majd Jaber Al Marri, from the College of Education, delivered a speech on behalf of her fellow female graduates, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
She said: “My fellow graduates, when I look back on the past, I remember how often our steps faltered at the beginning, and how many times we thought our aspirations were beyond reach—that the road ahead was difficult and distant, and that we might not make it. Yet, the strength of a good company and sincere friendship reassured us at every stumble: yes, we can. Today, as we stand on this graduation stage, we carry not only degrees, but stories, moments, and memories that will stay with us.”
She added, “We stand before you not as conventional graduates, but as individuals shaped by meaningful human connections, grounded in both academic and ethical understanding, and committed to continuing the journey of Qatar’s progress, contributing to achievements locally, regionally, and globally. We are here to affirm that the Arab woman is capable, determined, and confident in shaping her path and achieving success.”
Graduate Aisha Mohammed Al Emadi, from the College of Arts and Sciences, delivered remarks as the master of ceremonies, saying, “We are filled with pride in belonging to Qatar University, a beacon of creativity and thought, and a center of knowledge that continues its journey toward excellence and leadership, guided by a forward-looking vision that contributes to national development and reflects the aspirations of its leadership and people.”
She added, “The patronage of Your Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani for this occasion reflects the vision of our leadership, which places people at the heart of development and recognizes Qatari women as essential partners in this journey. This vision has emphasized empowering women and strengthening their capabilities, and today we celebrate the outcomes of their contributions and excellence.”
As QU graduates its 49th cohort, the university continues to chronicle a long history spanning decades in which it has heavily contributed to Qatar’s development and prosperity, through supplying the labor market with qualified graduates.
The 2026 Graduation Ceremony celebrates all QU graduates across various academic degrees, who have completed their graduation requirements by the end of the following terms: Summer 2025 and Fall 2025, in addition to those who are expected to graduate by the end of Spring 2026. A total of 4,024 male and female graduates celebrate this year as part of the Class of 2026.
Source: qatar-tribune.com
https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/232597/latest-news/qu-graduates-its-distinguished-female-students-as-part-of-49th-cohort
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Zamzam Al Hammadi: Paving the Way for Emirati Women in MMA
May 05, 2026
Dubai: Zamzam Al Hammadi is ready to make history later this month as she becomes the first Emirati woman to compete professionally in mixed martial arts when she steps into the cage at the Professional Fighters League MENA: Pride of Arabia event on May 24 at Coca-Cola Arena.
The landmark event will launch the 2026 PFL MENA season in front of a home crowd in Dubai, with the 18-year-old Emirati prospect set to make her professional debut against an opponent yet to be confirmed.
Speaking ahead of the bout during the pre-fight press conference at TKMMAFIT, Al Hammadi said the opportunity represents a major moment not only in her own career, but also for women’s combat sports in the UAE.
“I'm very honoured to be able to represent my country on such a huge stage at the Coca-Cola Arena, it's a dream come true.
“PSL have put together a great event and I’m super excited MMA fans in Dubai will get to see an Emirati woman like myself fight.”
Already regarded as one of the UAE’s brightest young combat sports talents, Al Hammadi enters the professional ranks with an impressive pedigree despite her age.
The teenager is a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA competitor, having captured titles at both the IMMAF Youth World Championships and the JJIF World Youth Championships in 2023.
She also carries an unbeaten 2-0 amateur MMA record into her professional debut, but acknowledged that the jump to the professional level presents a completely different challenge.
“It's going to be a huge challenge but Inshallah, I’m going to make sure I’m ready for it,” she said.
“I haven’t yet been given an opponent, but I know whoever is in front of me on the night is going to test me like I’ve never been tested before.”
Al Hammadi’s rise reflects the rapid growth of MMA across the UAE, where investment in combat sports facilities, coaching and youth development has transformed the landscape for aspiring fighters over the past decade.
While many athletes might hesitate before turning professional at just 18-years-old, the Emirati fighter said she never doubted her readiness when the opportunity arrived.
“When PSL offered me a contract to sign for them, it was a no brainer,” she stated.
“Yes, I’m young but I know I'm ready to showcase to the world that I’m ready to fight at the professional level.”
Her confidence has been built through competition on the international stage, where she has already represented the UAE against elite youth athletes from around the world.
Still, Al Hammadi admitted her professional experience remains limited compared to many fighters entering the PFL ranks.
“I have only had two bouts at amateur level, but I feel I have to take this great opportunity when it comes,” Al Hammadi continued.
“I’m so proud I can showcase my skills and show what a UAE women can do.”
The teenager has spent most of her training camp in Abu Dhabi, continuing preparations ahead of what is expected to be one of the most closely watched debuts in regional MMA history.
She believes the UAE’s rapidly growing combat sports landscape is opening new doors for the next generation of athletes and hopes her appearance on one of the region’s biggest MMA stages will inspire more young girls across the country to pursue the sport.
She said: “I spend most my time in Abu Dhabi where I’ve been preparing for my fight, the accessibility that's now across the UAE for young fighters like me to get into the sport is amazing,” said the teenager.
“I want young girls in the UAE to look at me and see that it's possibly to take up a sport like MMA in this region.”
As the first Emirati woman to fight professionally in MMA, Al Hammadi is breaking new ground in a sport traditionally dominated by international athletes.
Competing at Coca-Cola Arena in front of a home audience only adds to the emotion surrounding the occasion.
“The country shown me so much support already and I can’t wait to make them all proud, fighting in my home country will be incredible.”
“There's going to be a lot of pressure of course, but I believe in my skills and I'm ready for any opponent that gets put in front of me.”
On May 24, the teenager will carry not only her own ambitions into the cage, but also the hopes of a new generation of Emirati female athletes looking to carve their place in professional sport.
Source: gulfnews.com
https://gulfnews.com/sport/zamzam-al-hammadi-paving-the-way-for-emirati-women-in-mma-1.500529831
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