Zinnat makes history for Bangladesh by winning Bronze at an international boxing event
“I just won bronze in a tournament in Gliwice, Poland,” said Zinnat after returning to New York Wednesday.
US-based Bangladeshi boxer Zinnat Ferdous clinched the bronze medal at a famous international women's boxing championship known as the Silesian Open held in Poland which is likely Bangladesh's first medal from the European Boxing Confederation.
The tournament's official name was XIX International Silesian Women's Boxing Championships in Gliwice, Poland.
The competition started on 2 September and concluded on 8 September.
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A total of 17 countries from Europe, Asia and Africa participated in the tournament including past Olympic champions.
Zinnat won her first bout in the quarter-finals to confirm her medal.
"I just won bronze in a tournament in Gliwice, Poland," said Zinnat after returning to New York Wednesday.
She added: "A boxing federation official (Jahir Ahmed) said it is Bangladesh's first medal from the European Boxing Confederation."
Zinnat came in for two bouts in the 52kg weight category in an elite class.
In the quarter-final against Kata Pap from Hungary, she was declared the winner with a 5-0 unanimous decision after three rounds of fighting.
She lost the semi-final against Daria-Olha Hutarina from Ukraine but secured the bronze medal.
"52kg weight category is higher than my usual fighting weight. In future tournaments, I will continue to compete in the 50kg weight class," replied Zinnat through an email.
"This is a groundbreaking tournament, marking a historic moment in women's amateur boxing. It is the first tournament to host no headgear bouts since the rule change, signifying a significant shift in the sport."
The decision on changing the rule on headgear was taken in March this year.
International Boxing Association decided to abolish headgear in women's boxing in June 2024.
