Women’s Officials Development Programme spotlight: Nida Khalid

Nida Khalid is a Grade B judge and a Grade C referee. The London region official got into the sport through her Master’s degree and has gone on to achieve more than she anticipated. Despite this, she has one eye on becoming IBA accredited.

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How did you first get involved with boxing and become an official?

I studied Sports Governance as my master’s degree and wrote a report on the governance failure of boxing. I found an online advert for boxing judging and thought the best way to improve the sport is to be the good you want to see in the sport. I applied and loved it, so I later became a coach to get more involved.

What do you hope to get out of the WODP that can improve you as an official?

I think the programme will allow me to become more confident and progress as a referee.

What do you enjoy the most in your officiating role(s)?

I love boxing and the people I meet. I have met the most amazing people, ranging from coaches to officials, to the boxers themselves. I also get enjoyment from seeing how boxers improve their craft.

Who is your biggest boxing inspiration?

It has to be Katie Taylor. She is an incredible boxer and has done so much for women’s boxing.

What is your aspiration in boxing?

I want to progress in officiating and go as far as I am able to. It would be great to become an IBA official, but I am also very proud of how far I have come. I don’t have a boxing background and didn’t think I would get this far, but I have amazing mentors, and everyone is always helping me progress and improve and that has helped me to where I am now.