However, Sanjida Jannat chose to challenge herself. That too in a sport that is taboo for men in Bangladesh as well. That’s right, she chose boxing.

In a nation where cricket stadiums capture people’s hearts and football continues to rise in popularity, she fights in a far lonelier arena, the boxing ring.

Within only a few years of entering the sport, she has climbed into the Top 20 of the world rankings (#17) and reached #7 in Asia in her weight category in women’s boxing. For a boxer from Bangladesh, especially a female boxer, that achievement carries significance far beyond numbers.

But her toughest fights were not only inside the ring.

The making of a fighter

Sanjida was born in 2005 in Jamalpur. Her childhood changed suddenly when she lost her father at just six years old, leaving her mother to raise three daughters on her own.

Growing up in Dhaka, she had the urge to explore paths that were not traditionally laid out for her. That search eventually led her to the boxing ring in 2022.

For Sanjida, boxing was more than competition. Soon, boxing became a space to test both her physical and mental strength.

Under the mentorship of her coach and manager, MD Yusuf (founder of Edge Boxing BD), she stepped into the ring for the first time, and with his guidance, she secured a global rank.

Choosing boxing as a career in a conservative country like Bangladesh brought expected reactions. Sanjida faced strong criticism and questions from many directions.
Even her family was initially worried.

But as her victories began to accumulate and her dedication became visible, that worry slowly turned into pride. Over time, her family became one of her strongest support systems.

When I asked her how she responds to societal criticism, she shared,
“I chose to let my performance in the ring be my answer to them.”

She acknowledges that female athletes in combat sports often face additional pressure, the fear that one mistake could be used to justify why women should not compete in such sports.

Because of that, she says she lives by an unwritten rule:
“I have to work twice as hard to earn the same respect as a male boxer.”

The discipline behind the glory

Behind every victory lies a disciplined life and a demanding routine.

Sanjida wakes up at 4 a.m. each day, and her training continues until night. She needs to maintain her fighting weight of 48 kilograms, which requires strict discipline, intense workouts, and a carefully planned diet.

But physical exhaustion is not the hardest part.

For her, the greatest challenge is something quieter, loneliness.

“People see the hand raised in victory,” she says. “But they don’t see the thousands of hours of training in silence, the strict dieting while others are feasting, and the mental weight of carrying the expectations of a nation.”

Yet she accepts that solitude as part of the journey. In many ways, she believes it has strengthened her focus and determination.

Professional boxing is also an expensive pursuit. Her training equipment, diet, and participation in global competitions require significant financial support. And like many athletes in sports sectors, Sanjida also relies on sponsorships and corporate backing. Her manager works to ensure her financial support.

According to Sanjida, corporate sponsors have also played a crucial role in her journey. Companies like “Fit Elegance” have supported her career for the past two years by helping her to cover essential expenses.

“Sponsorships are the lifeline for a professional boxer,” she explains.

Despite financial challenges and social pressures, giving up has never truly been an option.

“Sometimes the financial and social hurdles feel exhausting,” she admits. “But I remind myself that I am a pioneer. If I give up, the door might close for many girls who dream of following this path.”

Life beyond the ring

Outside the boxing ring, Sanjida describes herself as disciplined but deeply connected with people around her.

She enjoys engaging with the digital community by participating in programmes that encourage young people to pursue their ambitions.

She often attends youth events and conferences where she shares her experiences to encourage others to find their potential.

She calls this part of her identity being a “Woman in Action.”

One question she frequently encounters is how she balances the fierce competitor inside the ring with her identity outside it.

For Sanjida, the two are not contradictory.

“Being a fighter doesn’t mean losing my sense of self,” she says. “It means having the strength to define myself on my own terms.”

She believes a woman can be both powerful and graceful at the same time.

“A woman can be fierce and dignified at the same time.”

At the end of the conversation, Sanjida shared a message for young people searching for their own path.

“Don’t wait for the road to be cleared for you,” she says.

“Sometimes you have to step into the ring and fight for the space you want to occupy. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s taking action despite it.”

Then she leaves one final thought.

“Be the pioneer of your own life.”