At the tender age of six, Sakinah Hussain embarked on a remarkable martial arts journey at her uncle’s gym. Over the years, she has fearlessly ventured into various disciplines, from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo to Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Today, at just 16 years old, Sakinah stands as an inspiration to many, especially young Muslim girls, as she continues to break barriers and empower others with her impressive achievements. Recently nominated in the Young Hero category of the National Lottery Awards, Sakinah’s dedication to her sport and her community shines brightly.
Discovering the Martial Arts Passion
Sakinah Hussain’s passion for martial arts ignited at the age of six when she first stepped foot into her uncle’s gym. The world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu welcomed her, and she soon found herself captivated by the discipline, determination, and physicality of the sport. Eager to explore more, Sakinah added Judo, Muay Thai, and eventually MMA to her repertoire, pushing herself to new heights and embracing every challenge that came her way.
Read More: Pakistan’s MMA fighter Anita Karim beats Aussie opponent in Thailand
Competing on a Global Stage
As her skills grew, so did her desire to compete at higher levels. At the tender age of 13, Sakinah showcased her talent on the global stage by participating in the Pan Am World Championships in California. A courageous young athlete, she continued to defy expectations, becoming the first Muslim to represent Wales at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi. There, she earned a well-deserved bronze medal, proving that age and barriers should never hinder one’s dreams.
Breaking Stereotypes and Inspiring Others
Sakinah’s journey has not been without challenges. When she started wearing her hijab, she initially struggled to reconcile it with her martial arts pursuits. However, instead of letting it hold her back, she embraced her faith and her passion, realizing that they could coexist harmoniously. Her resilience in the face of adversity has made her a role model for young Muslim girls seeking to break stereotypes and pursue their passions without compromising their identity.
Beacon of Empowerment
Beyond the accolades and medals, Sakinah finds purpose in empowering others. A collaboration with the Exiles Together community group brought her to the forefront of imparting vital self-defense skills to young girls. Embracing the opportunity to coach female-only self-defense classes, Sakinah’s commitment to nurturing a safe and inclusive environment for girls shines through. The support from Sport Wales, made possible by the National Lottery’s financial backing, allowed her to create a platform for girls to flourish and build confidence through martial arts.
Dreams of a Bright Future
Now nominated in the Young Hero category of the National Lottery Awards, Sakinah feels humbled and honored. Her ultimate dream is to teach her own martial arts classes and encourage more girls, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to engage in MMA and other sports. She firmly believes in the transformative power of martial arts, providing participants with valuable life skills, resilience, and physical fitness.
Exiles Together
Fostering Community and Inclusion: Exiles Together, founded by Jalal Goni and Anwar Uddin in 2018, stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports in fostering inclusion and community. Their vision of encouraging underrepresented groups to participate in sports found a perfect collaborator in Sakinah Hussain. Together, they are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for girls who may have felt excluded or overlooked in traditional sporting circles.
Read More: WATCH: Shadab Khan responds to Babar Azam calling him ‘buddha’
Sakinah Hussain’s remarkable journey from a determined six-year-old martial arts enthusiast to a symbol of empowerment and inclusion is awe-inspiring. Her passion, courage, and dedication have led her to achieve milestones beyond her years and become a role model for young girls worldwide. As the winner of the Young Hero category in the National Lottery Awards, Sakinah’s journey will undoubtedly inspire countless others to chase their dreams, shatter barriers, and embrace the power of sports in transforming lives.