The 18-year-old girl, who memorised the Qur’an alongside her studies, has won ten medals, including two golds, making her community proud
MUMBAI — In the crowded locality of Madanpura, where dreams often battle circumstances, a young Muslim girl has emerged as a symbol of grit and grace. Hafiza Louiza Khan Ziauddin, a student of Maharashtra College, has made her community proud by winning the silver medal in the Under-18 category at the Asian Open Karate Championship held recently at Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai.
Louiza, who has memorised the noble Qur’an, secured second position in the continental tournament. The first prize went to a participant from Sri Lanka, but Louiza’s performance, marked by determination and skill, drew applause from coaches and spectators alike.
“I thank Allah for this success,” Louiza told Clarion India with a modest smile. “It was my mother’s wish that I memorise the Qur’an, and I completed my Hifz in 2019. Along with that, I wanted to learn self-defence to become strong and confident.’
Louiza’s journey began during her school days at Anjuman Islam Begum Sharifa Kalsekar English High School, Byculla. When her school arranged a visit to Budkonn Foundation’s karate class in Nagpada, she was deeply inspired by a demonstration by coach Khan Salahuddin. “His words about discipline and self-defence stayed with me,” she recalled. “That day I decided to learn karate seriously.”
Since then, there has been no looking back. From interschool and district competitions to state and national levels, Louiza has collected ten medals, including two golds. She has also completed a karate referee course, for which she is now preparing for the final examination.
“Louiza is one of the most disciplined and focused students I have ever trained,” said coach Khan Salahuddin, who runs the Budkonn Foundation karate classes. “She proves that with faith, discipline, and hard work, nothing is impossible for our girls.”
Her mother, visibly proud, expressed her joy with moist eyes. “When my daughter decided to memorise the Qur’an, I prayed she should also gain strength to protect herself and inspire others. Today, she has done both.”
Louiza’s success carries deep meaning for the Muslim community, often stereotyped and overlooked in sports achievements. Her story breaks barriers and challenges social norms that limit girls’ participation in martial arts.
Now, with her eyes set on the World Karate Championship, Louiza continues her training with greater passion. “I want to represent India at the international level and show that Muslim girls can excel in every field,” she said firmly.
In a society where religious education and modern learning are often seen as opposites, Louiza’s example bridges the gap. She stands as a living reminder that faith and ambition can coexist beautifully — and that the strength of a Muslim woman lies not only in her devotion but also in her courage.
“Every girl should learn self-defence,” Louiza added. “It gives you confidence, and it teaches you patience, respect, and balance — just like Islam does.”
Her journey from Madanpura’s by-lanes to an Asian championship podium is more than a story of medals; it’s a story of belief — in herself, in her religion, and in the boundless power of perseverance.
