US-based Bangladeshi boxer Zinnat Ferdous clinched gold at the National Boxing Championships on Thursday. In an exclusive interview with Daily Sun’s Tanvir Ahmed Pranto, Zinnat opened up about her journey from Google programme manager to fighter, her love for boxing, and why she chose to represent Bangladesh on the global stage. Here are the excerpts:

Daily Sun: You’ve fought abroad. Now you've fought in Bangladesh. How did it feel to step into the ring here?

Zinnat Ferdous: It felt so good. I’ve been playing for Bangladesh internationally for the past few years and I was finally able to come here and play on my home soil. It’s been a great feeling. Everyone’s been so supportive. I’ve had a lot of fun.

Daily Sun: Was it really fun? Considering the mismanagement and everything?

Zinnat: I was being pulled left and right. But yes, it’s been really exciting to see all the support, because I think this is just the start, not just for me, but for boxing overall. So, yes, very exciting. 

Daily Sun: How did you see the Bangladeshi girls and the difference - both physically and technically?

Zinnat: I think there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, technique and skill wise. They like to punch, they are aggressive, and they are strong mentally. They want to fight but I think there’s a lot that needs to be done.  When we go internationally, that’s what judges are looking for like can you hit and not get hit and stuff like this. 

Daily Sun: You started boxing at 27 — what pushed you to take up gloves for the first time at that age?

Zinnat: My parents were slightly strict, so my full focus was always on my studies. As I got older, I started wondering what I really wanted to do. My husband was actually a fighter—he introduced me to the sport and supported me a lot. Then I saw a fight live, fell in love with it, and said, “I want to try that.”

I think there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, technique and skill wise. They like to punch, they are aggressive, and they are strong mentally. They want to fight but I think there’s a lot that needs to be done.

Daily Sun: When did you realise you were actually good at this?

Zinnat: When I started fighting in the US, I had a few months of experience and I just kept winning, and I was like “What’s going on? Am I really good or are these girls really that bad?” And then, I started getting confidence. And the second thing is I was never getting hit. My defence is very good.  So, I realised I have that instinct, I just have to work on my aggression. 

Daily Sun: You were raised in the US. Why represent Bangladesh? Was it heart, strategy, or any future goal?

Zinnat: Honestly? When the 2024 Olympics were approaching, I was preparing to fight and compete for the US. But they have a policy where you can only represent one country. So, I had to choose—either compete for the US or try for Bangladesh. And I will be honest, my coach and mentor Collins Morgan said “You should think about representing Bangladesh,  that would mean a lot for you and the country.”  And here we are.

Daily Sun: How do you carry both lives — being a Google programme manager and a boxer?

Zinnat: It’s hard, definitely. But Google’s been really supportive. They understand where my mission is, my goal is. They allowed me to do what I’m doing. So, I’m very grateful.

It’s like a drug. You just want more and more and more. 

Daily Sun: Is boxing your escape from the rest of the world?

Zinnat: Yes, I love this. I have so much fun. How could someone train 30-40 hours a week and then travel around the world just for boxing? It’s like a drug. You just want more and more and more. 

Daily Sun: How do you want to be remembered when you leave this sport, especially in Bangladesh?

Zinnat: I hope I can start something in boxing. The reality is I’m 31, I’m not 18 or 15. So there’s an end very soon. I hope I can start something really good and accomplish a lot in this sport for the country. 

Daily Sun: How long do you think you have this in you?

Zinnat: I don’t know, I’m not answering that question (laughs). I think I’m just excited to start something for the country and I want to see men and women come on board and do what I’m doing. 

Daily Sun: Do you have any rituals before the game?

Zinnat: Before a fight, I am usually working, I am sending emails. I act like nothing’s happening. That’s my ritual. I act like nothing is different, today is the same as yesterday. Being busy, staying calm. Today I was listening to music. I just want to be calm so I can focus.