Fizza Abid: Pioneering Female Sports Manager from Pakistan Making Waves in Tennis.

Islamabad:Interviewed By: Usman Paracha
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Fizza Abid. It’s truly an honor to have the first female sports manager from Pakistan with us. Let’s start from the beginning of your journey. Could you tell us about your background and how you got involved in the world of sports management?Fizza Abid: Thank you for having me. It’s been quite a journey, and I’m happy to share it with your readers. I was born and raised in Islamabad, Pakistan, where my passion for sports, particularly cricket, was ignited at a young age. I played cricket for the Islamabad women’s cricket team until an unfortunate knee injury forced me to step back from the professional circuit.Interviewer: That must have been challenging. What did you do after leaving professional cricket?Fizza Abid: Yes, it was indeed a tough decision. However, I didn’t want to let go of my passion for sports entirely. I pursued my interest in technology and studied software engineering. But my love for sports still called out to me. So, I made a significant decision to enroll in sport management at Loughborough University to explore new avenues within the sports industry.Interviewer: It’s impressive how you turned your setback into an opportunity. Can you tell us about your experiences in the sports industry after completing your sport management studies?Fizza Abid: Absolutely! After graduating from Loughborough University, I dived headfirst into the sports industry. I started as a ticketing coordinator for LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and worked on organizing various tennis events. Before that, I had the incredible opportunity to be a volunteer for the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ICC CWC 2019. I also gained experience in ticketing for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and FIFA World Cup, which broadened my understanding of sports event management.Interviewer: It sounds like you’ve had a remarkable journey through different sports events. What inspired you to venture into tennis, specifically?Fizza Abid: Tennis always fascinated me with its elegance and competitiveness. I wanted to explore a different aspect of sports management, and tennis provided the perfect opportunity. Working with LTA allowed me to contribute to the success of various tennis events, and I’m proud to be part of the development of the sport.Interviewer: Your achievements are truly inspiring. Tell us about any personal projects you’ve been involved in during your career.Fizza Abid: Thank you for your kind words. While working in sports management, I realized the challenges that female cricketers face in Pakistan. To support and empower them, I took on an ambitious project and developed an athlete management system called “Crickistan.” This platform aims to assist women cricketers in their professional development and provides resources to enhance their game.Interviewer: That’s commendable work, Fizza. As we conclude, could you share any advice or messages for young sports enthusiasts, especially females, who aspire to pursue a career in sports management?Fizza Abid: Certainly! To all the young sports enthusiasts, especially aspiring female professionals, I say, believe in yourself and your abilities. The sports industry may have its challenges, but with determination and passion, you can overcome them. Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore different areas within sports. And remember, it’s crucial to support and uplift each other along the way.Interviewer: Thank you, Fizza, for sharing your remarkable journey with us. Your dedication and achievements are truly inspiring, and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.Fizza Abid: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure sharing my story with your readers. I hope it encourages others to follow their dreams and make a mark in the sports industry.