Alhamdulillah - How Yara Al‑Amri’s Asian medal changed her life
As-salamu alaykum - Alhamdulillah, the end of 2024 is a time Yara Al‑Amri will always remember. In December she made history as the first Saudi woman to win an Asian medal in boxing, a big step for women's sports back home.
The 21-year-old picked up bronze at the Asian Elite Championships in Bangkok in the 52 kg division, and it was her first time competing internationally. She said the hardest part was going abroad without the home crowd and coaches - everything felt different.
“This changed my life, I wrote history for Saudi Arabia by winning the first Asian medal in women’s boxing,” she said. “It doesn’t mean we don’t have champions, but the sport is still new in our country. Even though we started later than others, we quickly caught up and proved we can compete.”
Yara trains in Riyadh with coach Ali Al‑Ahmari at Al‑Shabab Club. She’s 174 cm, fights right-handed in an orthodox stance, and after about 27 fights has 23 wins and 4 losses. At home she already has seven Saudi national titles.
Her start in boxing was a bit accidental - she went for fitness and then realized she belonged in the ring. “I love a challenge and competition. In the ring it’s just me, my mind, and my hands. Boxing changed my lifestyle; it made me more disciplined and committed,” she said.
She talks about boxing as much a mental test as physical. “You have to be patient, strategic, and smart. Every move counts.”
Outside training, Yara is a university student and juggles classes with twice‑a‑day practices. “My days are busy - morning and evening training, plus lectures, studying and chores. It’s packed but I try to manage both school and sport.”
Her discipline shows elsewhere too - earlier this year she finished the Riyadh Half Marathon, saying the 21 km run was “pure challenge and joy.”
After nearly 30 fights she’s learned to take wins and losses in stride. “From a loss I learned never to leave it to the judges. You must make the fight clear and show your skills so there’s no doubt. Injuries and defeats taught me resilience - what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Before a fight I learn to control nerves; once I step in the ring I switch off everything and focus on my opponent.”
Yara thanks her family as her main support, and also praises the institutions that have helped women’s boxing grow in the Kingdom. “I’m grateful for the support from our wise leadership, the sports ministry, the Olympic Committee, the Saudi Boxing Federation, clubs and coaches. That collective backing helped turn a niche sport into something real for Saudi women.”
Her aim is simple and honest: collect as many titles as possible - national, regional, continental and international - and raise the Saudi flag on bigger stages, Insha'Allah.
She believes the future looks bright: “Women’s boxing here has grown a lot. Clubs and coaches are available across the country, teams are forming, and Saudi women are determined. We can compete and keep growing the sport.”
In just two years she’s won nine golds, seven national titles and two bronzes, while keeping up with her studies and life. Her rise mirrors wider change in the country under Vision 2030, which is opening more chances for women in sports from football to judo and beyond.
Yara sums it up: “Boxing gave me strength and purpose. Nothing is impossible when you work hard, stay disciplined and trust in Allah.” With that faith and hard work, she’s already building a path from a Riyadh gym to the global podium.
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