Ruqsana Begum: Difference between revisions

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| other_names = Warrior Princess
| other_names = Warrior Princess
| image =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_size = 220px
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|10|15|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|10|15|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Seven Kings]], [[Ilford]], [[Essex]], [[England]]
| birth_place = [[Seven Kings]], [[Ilford]], [[Essex]], [[England]]
| death_date =
| death_date =
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==Early life==
==Early life==
Begum was born and raised in [[Seven Kings]], [[Ilford]], [[Essex]], [[England]] to a family of [[British Bangladeshi|Bangladeshi]] origin. She is the second eldest of four children and lives at home with her family.<ref name="dailystar">{{cite news |last=Lennon|first=Patrick|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/182934
Begum was born and raised in [[Seven Kings]], [[Ilford]], [[Essex]], [[England]] to a family of [[British Bangladeshi|Bangladeshi]] origin. She is the second eldest of four children and lives at home with her family.<ref name="dailystar">{{cite news |last=Lennon|first=Patrick|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/182934|title=Ruqsana Begum: Kicking And Dreaming|location=Bangladesh|work= |publisher=''[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]''|date=25 March 2011|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
|title=Ruqsana Begum: Kicking And Dreaming|location=Bangladesh|work= |publisher=''[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]''|date=25 March 2011|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>


After studying at UzSWLU in [[Tashkent]], [[Uzbekistan]], in 2006, Begum graduated with a degree in [[Architecture]] from the [[University of Westminster]]. She was a trainee [[architect]] and was made redundant after the company she worked for made cuts.<ref name="ilfordrecorder1">{{cite news |last=Munford|first=Colin|url=http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/sport/ruqsana_gets_her_kicks_from_sport_1_749443|title=Ruqsana gets her kicks from sport|location=Iford|work= |publisher=''[[Archant|Ilford Recorder]]''|date=9 December 2010|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> She is a part-qualified architect.<ref name="ilfordrecorder2">{{cite news |last=Richards|first=Joshua|url=http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/sport/euro_thai_boxing_champion_ruqsana_begum_suffering_from_lack_of_funding_1_991195|title=Euro Thai-boxing champion Ruqsana Begum suffering from lack of funding|location=Ilford|work= |publisher=''[[Archant|Ilford Recorder]]''|date=11 August 2011|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="thedailystar2">{{cite news |last=Ahmed Ully|first=Ansar|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=250326|title=Kick-boxer Ruqsana wins bronze|location=Bangladesh|work= |publisher=''[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]''|date=19 September 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
After studying at UzSWLU in [[Tashkent]], [[Uzbekistan]], in 2006, Begum graduated with a degree in [[Architecture]] from the [[University of Westminster]]. She was a trainee [[architect]] and was made redundant after the company she worked for made cuts.<ref name="ilfordrecorder1">{{cite news |last=Munford|first=Colin|url=http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/sport/ruqsana_gets_her_kicks_from_sport_1_749443|title=Ruqsana gets her kicks from sport|location=Iford|work= |publisher=''[[Archant|Ilford Recorder]]''|date=9 December 2010|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> She is a part-qualified architect.<ref name="ilfordrecorder2">{{cite news |last=Richards|first=Joshua|url=http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/sport/euro_thai_boxing_champion_ruqsana_begum_suffering_from_lack_of_funding_1_991195|title=Euro Thai-boxing champion Ruqsana Begum suffering from lack of funding|location=Ilford|work= |publisher=''[[Archant|Ilford Recorder]]''|date=11 August 2011|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="thedailystar2">{{cite news |last=Ahmed Ully|first=Ansar|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=250326|title=Kick-boxer Ruqsana wins bronze|location=Bangladesh|work= |publisher=''[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]''|date=19 September 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
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==Career==
==Career==
===Boxing===
===Boxing===
In 2002, at the age of 18, Begum took up a kickboxing class after college.<ref name="muslimnews">{{cite news |last=Buara|first=Elham Asaad|url=http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/paper/index.php?article=5860|title=In conversation with…Ruqsana Begum|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Muslim News]]''|date=29 June 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> In 2008, she started fighting professionally.<ref name="dailystar"/><ref name="ilfordrecorder1"/>
In 2002, at the age of 18, Begum took up a kickboxing class after college.<ref name="muslimnews">{{cite news |last=Buara|first=Elham Asaad|url=http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/paper/index.php?article=5860|title=In conversation with…Ruqsana Begum|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Muslim News]]''|date=29 June 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> She initially did it as a hobby in secret due to concerns that her family may not approve.<ref name="easterneye">{{cite news |last=Flaig|first=Maximilian|url=http://www.easterneye.eu/news.html?groupId=8&newsId=1299|title=Interview with kickboxing champ Ruqsana Begum|location= |work= |publisher=''[[India Weekly]]''|date=19 February 2013|accessdate=1 January 2014}}</ref> In 2006, soon after she graduated from University, she told her family that she was practising Muay Thai.<ref name="supportthroughsport">{{cite web|url=http://www.supportthroughsport.co.uk/ruqsanabegum|title=Ruqsana Begum|publisher=''Support through Sport UK''|year=2011|accessdate=1 January 2014}}</ref> In 2008, she started fighting professionally.<ref name="dailystar"/><ref name="ilfordrecorder1"/>


In 2009, Begum defeated a Malaysian opponent to win a bronze medal at the World Amateur Kickboxing Championship in [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]].<ref name="ilfordrecorder1"/>
In 2009, Begum defeated a Malaysian opponent to win a bronze medal at the World Amateur Kickboxing Championship in [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]].<ref name="ilfordrecorder1"/>
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===Other commitments===
===Other commitments===
On top of her own professional commitments, Begum is a personal trainer and instructor. She also works as an instructor one night a week<ref name="ilfordrecorder2"/> giving free after-school<ref name="dailystar"/><ref name="ilfordrecorder1"/> Muay Thai classes every Monday at the Lions Den Gym in [[Chadwell Heath]], London.<ref name="edp24">{{cite news |last=Richards|first=Joshua|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/ilford_s_british_muay_thai_boxing_champion_set_for_02_arena_bout_1_1196553|title=Ilford’s British Muay-Thai boxing champion set for 02 Arena bout|location=Norwich|work= |publisher=''[[Eastern Daily Press]]''|date=3 February 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> for the children in the East End.<ref name="muslimnews"/>
On top of her own professional commitments, Begum is a personal trainer and instructor. She also works as an instructor one night a week<ref name="ilfordrecorder2"/> giving free after-school<ref name="dailystar"/><ref name="ilfordrecorder1"/> Muay Thai classes every Monday at the Lions Den Gym in [[Chadwell Heath]], London<ref name="edp24">{{cite news |last=Richards|first=Joshua|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/ilford_s_british_muay_thai_boxing_champion_set_for_02_arena_bout_1_1196553|title=Ilford’s British Muay-Thai boxing champion set for 02 Arena bout|location=Norwich|work= |publisher=''[[Eastern Daily Press]]''|date=3 February 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> for the children in the East End.<ref name="muslimnews"/> She also coaches ladies-only classes every Sunday.<ref name="easterneye"/>


She works part-time, two days a week, as a [[School science technician|science technician]] at [[Swanlea School, Business and Enterprise College|Swanlea School]] in [[Whitechapel]], London.<ref name="ilfordrecorder1"/><ref name="ilfordrecorder2"/>
She works part-time, two days a week, as a [[School science technician|science technician]] at [[Swanlea School, Business and Enterprise College|Swanlea School]] in [[Whitechapel]], London.<ref name="ilfordrecorder1"/><ref name="ilfordrecorder2"/>


She is also coach at “Fight for Peace,” a charity which uses boxing as a prevention and rehabilitation model to confront the problem of child and youth participation in crime, gangs and gun violence within disadvantaged communities.<ref name="thedailystar2"/><ref name="muslimnews"/><ref name="eastlondonnews">{{cite news |last=Rahman|first=Emdad|url=http://www.eastlondonnews.com/sparring-with-the-atomweight/|title=Sparring with the Atomweight|location=London|work= |publisher=''East London News''|date=21 July 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="fitmenow">{{cite news |last=Walter|first=Glen|url=http://fitmenow.co.uk/exclusive-interview-ruqsana-begum-british-muay-thai-champion/|title=EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ruqsana Begum – British Muay Thai Champion|location= |work= |publisher=''FitMeNow''|date=10 October 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
Begum is a boxing and Muay Thai<ref name="supportthroughsport"/> coach for Fight for Peace, a charity which uses boxing as a prevention and rehabilitation model to confront the problem of child and youth participation in crime, gangs and gun violence within disadvantaged communities.<ref name="thedailystar2"/><ref name="muslimnews"/><ref name="eastlondonnews">{{cite news |last=Rahman|first=Emdad|url=http://www.eastlondonnews.com/sparring-with-the-atomweight/|title=Sparring with the Atomweight|location=London|work= |publisher=''East London News''|date=21 July 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="fitmenow">{{cite news |last=Walter|first=Glen|url=http://fitmenow.co.uk/exclusive-interview-ruqsana-begum-british-muay-thai-champion/|title=EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ruqsana Begum – British Muay Thai Champion|location= |work= |publisher=''FitMeNow''|date=10 October 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> She is an ambassador for Sporting Equals, a charity who help people
from ethnic minorities to access sport, whoever you are and at all
levels.<ref name="skysports">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/9043713/|title= British Muay Thai Boxing champion Ruqsana Begum positive on change|location= |work= |publisher=''[[Sky Sports News]]''|date=26 November 2013|accessdate=1 January 2014}}</ref>


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
In May 2012, Begum was shortlisted for the Muslim Women’s in Sport Foundation Ambassador Awards for the United Kingdom Sportswoman of the Year award held at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref name="mwsf">{{cite web |url=http://awards.mwsf.org.uk/shortlist.html|title=Shortlist|publisher=''Muslim Women's Sport Foundation''|date= |accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="kickitout">{{cite web |url=http://www.kickitout.org/news.php/news_id/5444|title=(UK) MWSF announce Ambassador Awards shortlist|publisher=''Kick It Out''|date=13 April 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="thefa">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/WhatWeDo/Equality/NewsAndFeatures/2012/muslim-womens-sports-foundation-award|title=Muslim Women's awards|publisher=''The FA''|date=2 May 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="sportsister">{{cite news |last=Patel|first=Holly|url=http://www.sportsister.com/2012/04/11/awards-first-ambassador-awards-night-for-muslim-women/|title=Awards: First Ambassador Awards night for Muslim women|location= |work= |publisher=''Sport Sister''|date=11 April 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="theasianworld">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.theasianworld.co.uk/index.php/shortlist-announced/|title=Shorlist Announced|location= |work= |publisher=''The Asian World''|date=15 May 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
In May 2012, Begum was shortlisted for the Muslim Women's in Sport Foundation Ambassador Awards for the United Kingdom Sportswoman of the Year award held at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref name="mwsf">{{cite web |url=http://awards.mwsf.org.uk/shortlist.html|title=Shortlist|publisher=''Muslim Women's Sport Foundation''|date= |accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="kickitout">{{cite web |url=http://www.kickitout.org/news.php/news_id/5444|title=(UK) MWSF announce Ambassador Awards shortlist|publisher=''Kick It Out''|date=13 April 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="thefa">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/WhatWeDo/Equality/NewsAndFeatures/2012/muslim-womens-sports-foundation-award|title=Muslim Women's awards|publisher=''The FA''|date=2 May 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="sportsister">{{cite news |last=Patel|first=Holly|url=http://www.sportsister.com/2012/04/11/awards-first-ambassador-awards-night-for-muslim-women/|title=Awards: First Ambassador Awards night for Muslim women|location= |work= |publisher=''Sport Sister''|date=11 April 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="theasianworld">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.theasianworld.co.uk/index.php/shortlist-announced/|title=Shorlist Announced|location= |work= |publisher=''The Asian World''|date=15 May 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>


In January 2012, she was named in the ''[[British Bangladeshi Power 100]]'' for her work in education, culture and sports.<ref name="edp24">{{cite news |last=Sam-Daliri|first=Nadia|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/east_end_bangladeshis_reach_power_100_list_1_1188767|title=East End Bangladeshis reach "Power 100" list|location=Norwich|work= |publisher=''[[Eastern Daily Press]]''|date=26 January 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="bbpower100">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://bbpower100.com/spotlight-of-the-week-ruqsana-begum/|title=British Atomweight Muay-Thai boxing champion – Ruqsana Begum|location= |work= |publisher=British Bangladeshi Power 100|date=9 March 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> In February 2012, she won a special achievement award at the [[Canary Wharf]] Sports Awards.<ref name="whufc">{{cite web |url=http://www.whufc.com/articles/20120218/obrien-gives-back_2236884_2613583|title=O'Brien gives back |publisher=''West Ham United''|date=18 February 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="wharf">{{cite news |last=Hayes|first=Simon |url=http://www.wharf.co.uk/2012/02/table-tennis-star-ashley-wins.html|title=Table tennis star Ashley wins Canary Wharf award|location=London|work= |publisher=''Wharf''|date=3 February 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
In January 2012, she was named in the ''[[British Bangladeshi Power 100]]'' for her work in education, culture and sports.<ref name="edp24">{{cite news |last=Sam-Daliri|first=Nadia|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/east_end_bangladeshis_reach_power_100_list_1_1188767|title=East End Bangladeshis reach "Power 100" list|location=Norwich|work= |publisher=''[[Eastern Daily Press]]''|date=26 January 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="bbpower100">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://bbpower100.com/spotlight-of-the-week-ruqsana-begum/|title=British Atomweight Muay-Thai boxing champion – Ruqsana Begum|location= |work= |publisher=British Bangladeshi Power 100|date=9 March 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> In February 2012, she won a special achievement award at the [[Canary Wharf]] Sports Awards.<ref name="whufc">{{cite web |url=http://www.whufc.com/articles/20120218/obrien-gives-back_2236884_2613583|title=O'Brien gives back |publisher=''West Ham United''|date=18 February 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="wharf">{{cite news |last=Hayes|first=Simon |url=http://www.wharf.co.uk/2012/02/table-tennis-star-ashley-wins.html|title=Table tennis star Ashley wins Canary Wharf award|location=London|work= |publisher=''Wharf''|date=3 February 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Begum is a Muslim.<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01gwclm|title=Kickboxer Ruqsana Begum|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC London 94.9]]''|date=17 September 2013|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In March 2012, she met [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] at [[Walthamstow]] Town Hall, during the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen’s Diamond Jubilee]] tour of the UK.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17546295|title=Diamond Jubilee: Queen visits three London boroughs|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC News]]''|date=29 March 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
Begum is a [[Muslim]].<ref name="skysports"/><ref name="bbc2">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01gwclm|title=Kickboxer Ruqsana Begum|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC London 94.9]]''|date=17 September 2013|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In March 2012, she met [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] at [[Walthamstow]] Town Hall, during the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Diamond Jubilee]] tour of the UK.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17546295|title=Diamond Jubilee: Queen visits three London boroughs|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC News]]''|date=29 March 2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>


After being selecting to be an [[2012 Summer Olympics|Olympic]] torchbearer in recognition of her sporting achievements and community work, helping young people to engage in sports and giving them a focus in life<ref name="muslimnews"/> in the East London community.<ref name="london2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=ruqsana-begum-5336/index.html|title=Ruqsana Begum|publisher=''London 20120''|date= |accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> On 21 July 2012, she carried the [[Olympic flame|Olympic Torch]] in [[Greenwich]], London.<ref name="greenwich">{{cite web |url=http://www.greenwich-2012.com/info/9/entertainment_and_tourism/56/olympic_torch_relay_through_royal_greenwich/2|title=Olympic Torch Relay through Royal Greenwich|publisher=''Royal Borough of Greenwich''|year=2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="royalgreenwich">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200131/greenwich_2012_community/1170/torch_relay_through_royal_greenwich/3|title=Torch Relay through Royal Greenwich|publisher=''Royal Borough of Greenwich''|year=2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
After being selecting to be an [[2012 Summer Olympics|Olympic]] torchbearer in recognition of her sporting achievements and community work, helping young people to engage in sports and giving them a focus in life<ref name="muslimnews"/> in the East London community.<ref name="london2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=ruqsana-begum-5336/index.html|title=Ruqsana Begum|publisher=''London 20120''|date= |accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref> On 21 July 2012, she carried the [[Olympic flame|Olympic Torch]] in [[Greenwich]], London.<ref name="greenwich">{{cite web |url=http://www.greenwich-2012.com/info/9/entertainment_and_tourism/56/olympic_torch_relay_through_royal_greenwich/2|title=Olympic Torch Relay through Royal Greenwich|publisher=''Royal Borough of Greenwich''|year=2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="royalgreenwich">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200131/greenwich_2012_community/1170/torch_relay_through_royal_greenwich/3|title=Torch Relay through Royal Greenwich|publisher=''Royal Borough of Greenwich''|year=2012|accessdate=1 November 2012}}</ref>
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.ruqsana-begum.com/ Official Website]
*{{Official website|http://www.ruqsana-begum.com/}}
*{{Twitter|RuqsanaBegum|Ruqsana Begum}}
*{{Twitter|RuqsanaBegum|Ruqsana Begum}}
*[http://www.supportthroughsport.co.uk/ruqsanabegum Ruqsana Begum]. ''Support through Sport UK''. 2011
*Das, Ujjal. [http://www.eprothomalo.com/displaypage.php?id=2012_05_27_23_10_b Boxing Girl - Ruqsana]. ''[[Prothom Alo]]''. 27 May 2012 (in Bengali)
*Das, Ujjal. [http://www.eprothomalo.com/displaypage.php?id=2012_05_27_23_10_b Boxing Girl - Ruqsana]. ''[[Prothom Alo]]''. 27 May 2012 (in Bengali)
*Rahman, Hasan Hafizur. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=c3Iokom11v0 British Bangladeshi Female Boxer Ruksana Begum]. ''[[NTV (Bangladesh)|NTV]]''. 12 June 2012
*Rahman, Hasan Hafizur. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=c3Iokom11v0 British Bangladeshi Female Boxer Ruksana Begum]. ''[[NTV (Bangladesh)|NTV]]''. 12 June 2012
Line 109: Line 111:
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01gwclm Kickboxer Ruqsana Begum]. ''[[BBC London 94.9]]''. 17 September 2013
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01gwclm Kickboxer Ruqsana Begum]. ''[[BBC London 94.9]]''. 17 September 2013
*[http://archesboxing.com/85-about-arches-boxing-gym/123-ruqsana-begum-women-at-arches-boxing Ruqsana Begum] on ''Arches Boxing Gym''
*[http://archesboxing.com/85-about-arches-boxing-gym/123-ruqsana-begum-women-at-arches-boxing Ruqsana Begum] on ''Arches Boxing Gym''
*Flaig, Maximilian. [http://www.easterneye.eu/news.html?groupId=8&newsId=1299 Interview with kickboxing champ Ruqsana Begum]. ''[[Eastern Eye]]''. 19 February 2013


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
{{Persondata
| NAME = Begum, Ruqsana
| NAME = Begum, Ruqsana
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Kickboxer
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = English kickboxer
| DATE OF BIRTH = 15 October 1983
| DATE OF BIRTH = 15 October 1983
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Seven Kings]], [[Ilford]], [[Essex]], [[England]]
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Seven Kings]], [[Ilford]], [[Essex]], [[England]]

Revision as of 21:00, 1 January 2014

Ruqsana Begum
Born (1983-10-15) 15 October 1983 (age 40)
Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex, England
Other namesWarrior Princess
ResidenceSeven Kings, Ilford, Essex, England
NationalityBritish
Weight48 kg (106 lb)
DivisionAtomweight
StyleMuay Thai Kickboxing
Fighting out ofBethnal Green, Tower Hamlets, London, England
TeamBritish Muay Thai Team
TrainerBill Judd
Years active2008–present
OccupationScience technician
UniversityUniversity of Westminster
Websitewww.ruqsana-begum.com

Ruqsana Begum (born 15 October 1983) is an English kickboxer. She is the current British female Atomweight (48–50 kg) Muay Thai boxing Champion and captain of the British Muay Thai Team.

Early life

Begum was born and raised in

Bangladeshi origin. She is the second eldest of four children and lives at home with her family.[1]

After studying at UzSWLU in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2006, Begum graduated with a degree in Architecture from the University of Westminster. She was a trainee architect and was made redundant after the company she worked for made cuts.[2] She is a part-qualified architect.[3][4]

Career

Boxing

In 2002, at the age of 18, Begum took up a kickboxing class after college.[5] She initially did it as a hobby in secret due to concerns that her family may not approve.[6] In 2006, soon after she graduated from University, she told her family that she was practising Muay Thai.[7] In 2008, she started fighting professionally.[1][2]

In 2009, Begum defeated a Malaysian opponent to win a bronze medal at the World Amateur Kickboxing Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.[2]

On 27 November 2010, in her first final, Begum defeated Paige Farrington to win the British Muay Thai Atomweight Kickboxing Championship Professional title from the Duel at the Dome contest in Doncaster.[2][4]

On 31 July 2011, Begum won a gold medal at the European Club Cup Amateur Muay Thai Championship in Latvia.[3] She beat a Finnish fighter to secure her place in the final and beat a Turkish fighter in the final to be awarded gold.[8]

On 6 September 2012, Begum was nominated as British Muay Thai Team Captain and won bronze at the

International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) World Championships in Saint Petersburg, Russia. On 9 September 2012, she beat Ranini Cundasawmy from Mauritius in the quarter-final, before losing her semi-final match, on 11 September 2012, against the European Champion, Chyslova Liudmila, from Belarus who proceeded to win silver.[4][9][10][11][12][13]

On 13 April 2013, Begum fought Silvia La Notte from Italy at the New Bingley Hall in Birmingham for the International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) World Championship.[9] Although Begum was leading on points, during the 4th round the fight was abandoned after she took a knock to the head.

Begum trains under Bill Judd,[3][14] and currently fights out of the KO Gym in Bethnal Green, London.[5]

Other commitments

On top of her own professional commitments, Begum is a personal trainer and instructor. She also works as an instructor one night a week[3] giving free after-school[1][2] Muay Thai classes every Monday at the Lions Den Gym in Chadwell Heath, London[15] for the children in the East End.[5] She also coaches ladies-only classes every Sunday.[6]

She works part-time, two days a week, as a

Swanlea School in Whitechapel, London.[2][3]

Begum is a boxing and Muay Thai[7] coach for Fight for Peace, a charity which uses boxing as a prevention and rehabilitation model to confront the problem of child and youth participation in crime, gangs and gun violence within disadvantaged communities.[4][5][16][17] She is an ambassador for Sporting Equals, a charity who help people from ethnic minorities to access sport, whoever you are and at all levels.[18]

Awards and recognition

In May 2012, Begum was shortlisted for the Muslim Women's in Sport Foundation Ambassador Awards for the United Kingdom Sportswoman of the Year award held at Wembley Stadium.[19][20][21][22][23]

In January 2012, she was named in the

British Bangladeshi Power 100 for her work in education, culture and sports.[15][24] In February 2012, she won a special achievement award at the Canary Wharf Sports Awards.[25][26]

In September 2013, Begum was awarded Sports Personality of the Year at the Asian Achievers Awards.[27][28]

Personal life

Begum is a

Muslim.[18][29] In March 2012, she met Queen Elizabeth II at Walthamstow Town Hall, during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK.[30]

After being selecting to be an Olympic torchbearer in recognition of her sporting achievements and community work, helping young people to engage in sports and giving them a focus in life[5] in the East London community.[31] On 21 July 2012, she carried the Olympic Torch in Greenwich, London.[32][33]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Lennon, Patrick (25 March 2011). "Ruqsana Begum: Kicking And Dreaming". Bangladesh: The Daily Star. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f Munford, Colin (9 December 2010). "Ruqsana gets her kicks from sport". Iford: Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ a b c d e Richards, Joshua (11 August 2011). "Euro Thai-boxing champion Ruqsana Begum suffering from lack of funding". Ilford: Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ a b c d Ahmed Ully, Ansar (19 September 2012). "Kick-boxer Ruqsana wins bronze". Bangladesh: The Daily Star. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e Buara, Elham Asaad (29 June 2012). "In conversation with…Ruqsana Begum". The Muslim News. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ a b Flaig, Maximilian (19 February 2013). "Interview with kickboxing champ Ruqsana Begum". India Weekly. Retrieved 1 January 2014. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ a b "Ruqsana Begum". Support through Sport UK. 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ "Ruqsana and Ash bring back medals at European Championships". KO Muay Thai. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ a b Richards, Joshua (13 September 2012). "Brilliant Begum bags bronze medal". Ilford: Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help) Cite error: The named reference "ilfordrecorder3" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  10. ^ Richards, Joshua (13 September 2012). "Brilliant Begum bags bronze medal". London: Ham & High. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ Richards, Joshua (13 September 2012). "Brilliant Begum bags bronze medal". London: London24. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ "More GB Success at the Muaythai World Championships". Women Sport Report. 4 October 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ "More GB Success at the Muaythai World Championships". Women Sport Report. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ Razzaq, Mahvish (4 September 2012). "Muay Thai Champion Ruqsana Begum is going for gold". Asiana TV. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ a b Richards, Joshua (3 February 2012). "Ilford's British Muay-Thai boxing champion set for 02 Arena bout". Norwich: Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help) Cite error: The named reference "edp24" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  16. ^ Rahman, Emdad (21 July 2012). "Sparring with the Atomweight". London: East London News. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ Walter, Glen (10 October 2012). "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ruqsana Begum – British Muay Thai Champion". FitMeNow. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ a b "British Muay Thai Boxing champion Ruqsana Begum positive on change". Sky Sports News. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "Shortlist". Muslim Women's Sport Foundation. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ "(UK) MWSF announce Ambassador Awards shortlist". Kick It Out. 13 April 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ "Muslim Women's awards". The FA. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ Patel, Holly (11 April 2012). "Awards: First Ambassador Awards night for Muslim women". Sport Sister. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ "Shorlist Announced". The Asian World. 15 May 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. ^ "British Atomweight Muay-Thai boxing champion – Ruqsana Begum". British Bangladeshi Power 100. 9 March 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  25. ^ "O'Brien gives back". West Ham United. 18 February 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ Hayes, Simon (3 February 2012). "Table tennis star Ashley wins Canary Wharf award". London: Wharf. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ "Asian Achievers Award 2013". Asian Achivers Award 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
  28. ^ Pandit, Vishal (16 September 2013). "The Asian Achievers Awards 2013 Highlights". DESIblitz. Retrieved 1 November 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. BBC London 94.9. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help
    )
  30. ^ "Diamond Jubilee: Queen visits three London boroughs". BBC News. 29 March 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  31. ^ "Ruqsana Begum". London 20120. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ "Olympic Torch Relay through Royal Greenwich". Royal Borough of Greenwich. 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ "Torch Relay through Royal Greenwich". Royal Borough of Greenwich. 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

External links

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