Malaysia

19-year-old hijab-wearing pro wrestler breaks barriers in Malaysia

Nor Diana is a 19-year-old Malaysian Muslim woman who wrestles professionally under the name “Phoenix”. 

Though only 155cm (5ft, 1in) tall and weighing 43kg (95 pounds), she defeated four men on her way to being crowned Malaysian wrestling champion in early July 2019.

One of just two female wrestlers in Malaysia, Nor Diana’s success in the ring is inspiring other young girls to break gender and traditional barriers.

July 17, 2019