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In a groundbreaking feat, a young woman from Tyseley is making history as the United Kingdom’s pioneer female Muslim wrestling coach. At the age of just 20, Haniyah Kousar is transforming the landscape of the sport by coaching and mentoring women of all ages, transcending conventional norms.
Having nurtured a passion for kickboxing and martial arts since childhood, Kousar’s introduction to wrestling by her brothers ignited a fervor for the grappling discipline. Remarkably, she proudly wears her hijab while never compromising her religious beliefs. Unfortunately, this unwavering commitment has hindered her aspirations of international competition due to stringent dress codes within wrestling. Unfazed by these challenges, Kousar is resolute in her mission to dismantle these barriers and ensure inclusivity within the sport.
Kousar emphasizes the significance of wrestling within her Muslim identity, sharing, “Wrestling connects me with my culture and faith as it aligns with the Sunnah, the teachings of the prophet. In Pakistan, it holds substantial cultural significance, akin to mud wrestling, evoking a sense of connection to my roots.”
“Why not embrace an activity endorsed by my religion?” questions Kousar, who firmly believes that if wrestling is a Sunnah for men, it equally applies to women. “I’ve always explored various martial arts, including kickboxing and wrestling,” she continues. After completing her training to become a certified coach following her sixth form education, Kousar took the initiative to address the gender gap in coaching. Her efforts have led her to conduct classes every Saturday at Impact Fitness Academy, catering to girls aged 12 and above. Notably, the classes have fostered not only individual growth but also bonding experiences among participants, including mother-daughter and sisterly duos.
Regarding her reception from family, friends, and audiences, Kousar reveals, “The responses have overwhelmingly been positive. Fans exhibit curiosity and interest, while some family members may initially view it lightly.” Despite occasional hesitance, Kousar finds solace in the acceptance she receives from family members, including those whose children she coaches.
Expressing her aspirations, Kousar voices her desire to compete on the global stage. However, she confronts challenges imposed by attire regulations. While wrestling permits hijab as headgear, the standard singlet – comprising shorts and a cropped top – restricts her from fully adhering to her religious dress code. Kousar advocates for a change in these regulations to enable more young girls to compete without facing discouraging limitations.
Highlighting Kousar’s community engagement, she contributed to ‘have-a-go’ sessions during the previous year’s Commonwealth Games outside Coventry’s wrestling venue. This event offered 2,000 individuals, both children and adults, an opportunity to experience the essence of genuine wrestling. Impact Fitness Academy, where Kousar works, received a substantial £5.5 million in combined funding from WMCA’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund and National Lottery allocations, managed by Sport England. This financial support aligns with the authority’s decade-long strategy to enhance physical and mental well-being in Birmingham.
As Kousar envisions the road ahead, she expresses her aspirations: “I envision international competitions for myself through training camps. I aim for increased competition participation within my classes and to enhance the strength and conditioning of my students.” With her unwavering dedication, Kousar stands as an inspiration, breaking barriers and charting a new course for aspiring athletes.
