Tina Rahimi to make history as first Muslim woman boxer to represent Australia at Commonwealth Games

Tina Rahimi will be the first Muslim woman to box for Australia at a Commonwealth Games, having been called up to the team on Tuesday just four years after her first fight.

The boxer from Bass Hill in Sydney, who competes in the 57kg division, is one of eight Games debutants in the boxing team of four women and seven men.

Rahimi, 26, took up the sport for fitness while working as a make-up artist and soon developed a passion, and planned to turn professional, only for COVID-19 and the looming Games to interfere with her plans.

«From the moment I started, I have not stopped. I just loved it,» Rahimi told The Daily Telegraph.

«I was quite good at it and went to a fight night and it really motivated me.

»I felt like I could do it well and started training and had my first fight in 2018.

«I've always embraced the physicality. I was never scared to get hit. I even sparred with the boys and I'd get hit by a punch and still come forward.»

With a 15-2 win-loss record, Rahimi has now set her sights on the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this July.

She said being the first Muslim woman to represent Australia in the event could inspire more women and girls from all backgrounds to take up the sport.

«I know that I have the potential and capability to get the gold, so I have really dedicated myself to the sport,» she said.

«It would be a big deal coming from a Muslim background … not many Muslim women have accomplished something like that.

»It's a big community. I have to wear the hijab to cover my hair and have my arms and legs covered as well, so I do stand out.

«I feel like it would show anything is possible if you put your mind to it. That you can do anything. That just because you dress or look a different way, come from a different