Ruqsana Begum is hired as a motivational speaker because her life story delivers clear, practical lessons on resilience, discipline and breaking barriers at the highest level. A British and European Kickboxing and Muay Thai Champion, she is also the first woman in history to win world titles in both Muay Thai and professional boxing. With more than 20 years of elite competition behind her, Ruqsana speaks from lived experience about what it takes to perform under pressure, sustain long-term excellence and succeed in environments where you are not expected to win. Her journey as a Muslim female athlete in combat sports gives her message credibility and relevance across business, education and sport.
Ruqsana’s career began when she joined kickboxing classes while studying at college, quickly discovering a talent that demanded commitment and mental strength. Turning professional in 2008, she progressed through the amateur ranks with international success before securing British and European titles in Muay Thai. These early years shaped her mindset as she balanced intense training with cultural expectations and limited representation within the sport. Her transition into professional boxing required rebuilding skills, adapting her fighting style and proving herself all over again, reinforcing the lessons she now shares about adaptability and long term growth.
Her achievements are historic and wide-ranging. Ruqsana has won world titles across multiple combat disciplines, become an Intercontinental Champion in professional boxing, and secured the WBU World Boxing Flyweight title, making her the first Muslim female fighter to hold world titles in two different ring sports. She is the author of the bestselling autobiography 'Born Fighter', shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year and recognised by major national publications. Beyond competition, she is the founder and CEO of Embrace, an inclusive fitness and activewear brand, and has worked with global brands including Adidas and Gymshark. She is also a coach for Fight for Peace and an ambassador for Sporting Equals.
As a motivational speaker, Ruqsana delivers powerful insight grounded in real achievement and recognised excellence. She speaks with authority on resilience, confidence and sustained performance, drawing directly from a career that has earned her Sports Personality of the Year at the Asian Achievers Awards and the UK Sport Inspirational Performance of the Year award at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards. Named as one of the Young British Muslim Millennials Changing the World and voted number one in the British Power List, her impact extends far beyond sport. Audiences connect with her ability to translate elite competition, personal setbacks and cultural barriers into practical lessons on discipline, self-belief and leadership. Organisations hire Ruqsana because she offers more than inspiration; she provides a proven framework for overcoming adversity, performing under pressure and achieving excellence against the odds.
