The Journey of Bahrain's First Female Muay Thai Fighter

Author: Reem Akl

Manama, Bahrain - "Why? You're a girl. Why would you subject yourself to such physicality?" These questions have followed Nadeen Yateem throughout her journey to become Bahrain's first female Muay Thai fighter. Growing up, sports were always a big part of Nadeen’s life, but martial arts did not have a strong presence in her culture. That changed when she discovered Muay Thai in high school.

Fascinated by the intense discipline and athleticism of the sport, Nadeen dove headfirst into training. What began as a hobby and fitness routine during university evolved into a burning passion, Nadeen was surrounded by inspirational fighters committed to perfecting their talent. She soon stepped into the ring herself, determined to excel in competitions on the regional and global stage.

The road has not been easy. Nadeen has faced skepticism and criticism from a society that frowns upon women entering aggressive, male-dominated activities. "In a world where family, society, and even strangers have questioned my choices,” she recounts many urging her to “embrace her feminity.”

Nadeen insists that being a fighter does not diminish that femininity in any way. On the contrary, Muay Thai has been an empowering form of expression. "What drew me into this sport is its detachment from emotion. It is not personal. It is a disciplined art form," she declares. Today, as the first Bahraini woman to reach a professional status in Muay Thai, Nadeen hopes to inspire other girls to fearlessly pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional. Her achievement is a deeply personal one rooted in improving herself, not outdoing others. "It’s not about competing, it’s more about leveling up my skills and becoming better," Nadeen says.

Through her athletic achievements and national recognition, Nadeen has created vital representation for ambitious young women and girls who may have previously felt excluded. "Statements like 'male-dominated' and other exclusive labels should not be a barrier for women to take the opportunity towards growth and self-development," she adds.

As Nadeen emphasizes,“Advocating for women does not have to take grand gestures.” Simple acts, she believes, like encouraging other women to pursue their passions or mentoring the next generation of women fighters can have meaningful impact. She has also raised her voice in global forums such as TEDxManamaWomen to directly address gender inequality in regional sports.

In her career, Nadeen has inevitably faced multiple challenges - from men refusing to train with her based on the assumption that women are inherently "weak," to colleagues taking it easy on her as a result of the same misguided stereotypes about female fragility.

But with the support of a coach who rejects traditional stereotypes and her own determination to prove the capabilities of women time and again, Nadeen continues to smash barriers and serve as an inspirational force for women athletes across the Arab world. Her example vividly demonstrates that being a top athlete has no gender.

Nadeen Yateem’s journey is one of perseverance in the face of adversity, fueled by a solid commitment to excellence. She paves the way for Bahraini women to enter spaces that were not made for them, but which they can boldly claim as their own. Hers is a journey of kicking down limits, one round at a time.