As the Olympic Games kick off in Paris, countless teenagers around the globe will be envisioning the moment they represent their country on the podium. For one 13-year-old girl from Oldham, Greater Manchester, this dream is moving closer to fruition.
Ikrah Hussain is a two-time British national champion in Taekwondo, a martial art she began practicing at seven years old after experiencing bullying at school.
Having made her international debut for Britain in March, she is now aspiring to win an Olympic medal in a future Games, while also aiming to challenge stereotypes about Muslim girls in sports.
“There are many stereotypes surrounding Muslim females in sports, but I believe I am a strong role model,” she remarked during a rare moment away from training. “I want to challenge these stereotypes, as I’m one of the few Muslim sports role models from Oldham.”
Hussain’s mother, Naseem Ashraf, a former professional footballer and PE teacher, enrolled her daughter in Taekwondo lessons six years ago to help her learn self-defense after she was bullied by a group of girls.
Ashraf described her daughter as “meek and mild,” often coming home with “lumps on her head and arms.” She said, “Initially, there weren’t many girls in Taekwondo, but it has since become more popular.”
Weighing under seven stone, Hussain holds a second Dan black belt in Taekwondo and regularly competes against boys and girls much larger and stronger than herself.
She has participated in over 40 tournaments, earning a silver medal for Britain in a prestigious world Taekwondo competition in Bulgaria this past April.
Hussain is currently preparing to compete in the biggest event of the Taekwondo year: the British National Championships scheduled for October.
While many of her peers are busy scrolling through TikTok or hanging out with friends, Hussain sticks to a “strict” daily routine, ensuring she prays five times a day while balancing her training and school responsibilities. She finds relaxation in playing chess and watching historical documentaries.
“Discipline is essential,” Hussain stated. “My daily routine includes waking up at six for school, followed by training and Qur’an lessons. I unwind by reading and watching documentaries about the civil rights movement in the US. I also enjoy watching movies, cycling, and spending time with friends.”
She continued, “Taekwondo can be challenging, but striving for significant achievements requires effort. Now that I’ve developed my skills and experience, fighting has become more enjoyable for me.”
Hussain’s achievements showcase a significant increase in the popularity of full-contact sports among Britain’s Muslim community in recent years.
The rise of notable Muslim figures like former world boxing champion Amir Khan and UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has helped dismantle barriers for those interested in combat sports.
Today’s youth also exhibit a greater awareness of health compared to previous generations, with a stronger focus on fitness. This trend is amplified by the abundance of social media content promoting mixed martial arts, which is one of the most followed categories globally across different platforms.
Hussain’s coach for the past six years, Urooj Karim, praises her exceptional talent for determination: “She isn’t afraid of being bruised and battered. She dives into challenging situations repeatedly, which is why she’s on track for greatness.”
Karim, who affectionately refers to Hussain as his “Taekwondo daughter,” asserts that she ranks among the best in her weight category in the UK. Although she weighs only 44kg (6.9 stone), her opponents should not underestimate her abilities in the ring.
“She regularly competes against older boys who weigh up to 59kg,” Karim noted. “Other older girls who outweigh her often sustain injuries while sparring with her.”
In Bolton, boxing clubs have experienced a surge in membership since Amir Khan emerged on the scene 20 years ago at the Athens Olympics and later became the unified world junior welterweight champion.
At the Premier Boxing Club in town, coach Rasib Muhammad reported a continual influx of young British Muslims joining, inspired by Khan’s success. His gym has also trained national amateur champion Fabio Muhammad and Samir Aftab, who turned professional in 2022.
London’s Shah Kamali is notable as the first professional British-Bangladeshi heavyweight MMA fighter, with a record of six amateur victories and two professional wins so far. The 25-year-old also holds a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
“Many in my community view me as an inspiration, as they’ve witnessed my fights. Within my local area, people recognize me wherever I go,” Kamali shared. “Looking ahead, I aspire to join a major organization, with the UFC being my ultimate goal.”
