Boxer Zinnat wins bronze in Silesian Open

US-based Bangladeshi boxer Zinnat Ferdous clinched bronze medal at international women’s boxing championship known as Silesian Open held in Poland which is likely Bangladesh's first medal from the European Boxing Confederation.

The official name of the tournament was XIX International Silesian Women’s Boxing Championships.

It took place in Gliwice, Poland.

The competition started on September 2 and concluded on September 7.

A total 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 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 52kg weight category in elite class.

In the quarter-final against Kata Pap from Hungary, she was declared winner with a 5-0 unanimous decision after three rounds of fighting.

She lost the semi-final against Daria-Olha Hutarina from the 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 took the decision to abolish headgear in women's boxing from June, 2024.