In a country where cricket dominates the sporting landscape and women athletes continue to fight for recognition, Nisha Sultan has quietly built a remarkable legacy of her own. One of Pakistan's most accomplished netball players, she has shown that true success is defined not by headlines but by perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Originally from the scenic valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, Nisha discovered netball after moving to Karachi for higher education. What began as a passion soon evolved into a purpose, taking her from local competitions to the international stage as one of Pakistan's most dependable Goal Shooters.

Her impressive achievements include five National Gold Medals, three consecutive Best Goal Shooter awards, the Pride of Pakistan Award, and recognition as an HBL PSL Hero of Pakistan. Behind these accolades lies a journey marked by sacrifice, resilience, and determination in the face of limited opportunities for women in sport.

Today, Nisha is not only a champion athlete but also a passionate advocate for women's sports and the founder of the activewear brand Aura Active, inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

In this candid conversation, she reflects on the honour of representing Pakistan, the sacrifices behind every victory, the challenges female athletes continue to face, and why she believes her greatest achievement won't be the medals she has won, but the lives she inspires along the way. Excerpts:

SK: You have become one of Pakistan's most accomplished netball players, but every champion has a beginning. What are your earliest memories of sport, and when did you first realise netball was more than just a game for you?
NS: I grew up in Gilgit-Baltistan, where I always loved being active and playing sports. But when I moved to Karachi for my higher studies and discovered netball, everything changed. What started as just a game soon became my passion. Representing Pakistan on the international stage made me realise that netball wasn’t just a sport for me - it had become my purpose and a way to inspire others.

SK: Growing up, did you always receive support for pursuing sports, or did you have to challenge stereotypes about women in athletics?
NS: I was fortunate to have my family’s support, but like many female athletes in Pakistan, I also faced stereotypes and people who believed sports weren’t the right path for women. Instead of letting those opinions stop me, I used them as motivation to work harder. Today, I hope my journey encourages more girls to follow their dreams without fear.

SK: Every athlete has one defining moment that changes everything. What would you say was the turning point in your career?
NS: The turning point in my career was representing Pakistan on the international stage. Wearing the national jersey for the first time was an unforgettable moment. It made me realise the responsibility of representing my country and motivated me to work even harder to keep improving and make Pakistan proud.

SK: Winning five national gold medals is no small achievement. Which medal holds the most emotional value for you, and what makes it so special?
NS: Every medal is special to me, but my first national gold medal will always hold the most emotional value. It was the moment when all the years of hard work, sacrifices, and challenges finally paid off. That victory gave me the confidence to believe in myself and showed me that with dedication, anything is possible.

SK: You were named Best Goal Shooter for three consecutive years, as well. Scoring under pressure requires immense focus. What goes through your mind in those crucial final moments of a match?
NS: In those moments, I try to block out everything around me and focus only on the next shot. I trust my training, stay calm, and remind myself that pressure is a privilege. That’s when confidence and preparation make the biggest difference.

SK: The Pride of Pakistan Award and recognition as an HBL PSL Hero of Pakistan celebrate not only your achievements but also your impact. What did these honours mean to you personally?
NS: Receiving the Pride of Pakistan Award and being recognised as an HBL PSL Hero of Pakistan was a truly humbling experience. These honours reminded me that my journey is about more than winning medals; they represent the impact I can have by inspiring young athletes, especially girls, to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.

SK: Women's sports in Pakistan still face numerous challenges, from limited facilities and lack of media coverage to demotivation from family and society. What has been the toughest obstacle you've had to overcome in your journey?
NS: One of the biggest challenges has been the lack of recognition and opportunities for women’s sports. There were times when the journey felt difficult, but I never let those challenges define me. I stayed focused on my goals and kept working hard.

SK: Have there ever been moments when you questioned whether to continue your sporting career? If so, what kept you going?
NS: Yes, there were moments when injuries, setbacks, and challenges made me question everything. But my love for the game, the dream of representing Pakistan, and the support of my family kept me going. Every setback made me stronger.

SK: As a professional athlete, discipline becomes a lifestyle. What does a typical training day look like for Nisha Sultan, and what sacrifices have you had to make along the way?
NS: My day usually starts with strength and fitness training, followed by skill-based netball practice and recovery sessions. Being an athlete requires discipline, so I’ve sacrificed many social events, family time, and personal comfort to stay committed to my goals.

SK: You hail from Gilgit-Baltistan. Does that and the fact that you are a female athlete pressurise you to do well and be a role model for young girls?
NS: Absolutely! Being from Gilgit-Baltistan and representing Pakistan as a female athlete is a responsibility I carry with pride. I hope my journey shows young girls that no matter where they come from, they can dream big, work hard, and achieve anything.

SK: Sport is as much a mental battle as a physical one. How do you deal with pressure, setbacks, injuries, or disappointing performances?
NS: I remind myself that every setback is part of the journey. I focus on learning from my mistakes, trust the process, and come back stronger. Staying mentally positive is just as important as physical training.

SK: Having represented Pakistan at national and international levels, what emotions do you experience every time you wear the national jersey?
NS: It’s an incredible feeling of pride and responsibility. Every time I wear the Pakistan jersey, I remember that I’m representing millions of people, and I give my best to make my country proud.

SK: Looking at the current state of netball in Pakistan, what changes would you like to see from sports authorities, sponsors, and the media?
NS: I would like to see more investment in facilities, greater sponsorship opportunities, and stronger media coverage. Female athletes deserve equal recognition, as that inspires more young girls to pursue sports.

SK: If you had the opportunity to mentor the next generation of female athletes, what lessons would you want every young girl to learn before stepping onto the court?
NS: Believe in yourself, stay disciplined, and never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big. Hard work, consistency, and confidence will always take you further than talent alone.

SK: You have founded the fitness apparel brand Aura Active. When and how did that come about?
NS: Aura Active was born from my own journey as an athlete. While training and competing, I realised there was a need for comfortable, high-quality activewear that truly understands athletes’ needs. I wanted to create a brand that represents strength, confidence, and resilience, so I decided to turn that vision into reality.

SK: What is your goal with this brand? And how have you enjoyed being an entrepreneur?
NS: My goal with Aura Active is to inspire people to live an active lifestyle and encourage more women and girls to pursue sports with confidence. I also want to support and empower female athletes through the brand. Being an entrepreneur has been a completely new experience. It's challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding because I’m building something that reflects my passion and purpose.

SK: Beyond medals and trophies, what do you hope your legacy will be for women's sports in Pakistan?
NS: I want to be remembered as someone who inspired young girls to believe that they can achieve anything. If my journey encourages even one girl to pursue her dreams fearlessly, that will be my greatest achievement.

SK: What dreams are still left on your bucket list? Are there international championships, coaching ambitions, or broader goals you hope to achieve?
NS: I want to continue representing Pakistan at the highest level, win more international titles, and help develop women’s sports in Pakistan. Through my brand, Aura Active, I also hope to empower and support the next generation of female athletes.

SK: Outside the court, who is Nisha Sultan? What hobbies or passions help you relax and disconnect from the competitive world of sport?
NS: Outside the court, I’m a very simple and family oriented person. I love travelling, exploring nature, spending time with my loved ones, and creating content on Instagram. Social media has become a powerful platform for me not just to share my journey, but to promote sports, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and inspire more girls to step into athletics. I also enjoy working on my brand, Aura Active, because it’s another way for me to support and empower female athletes beyond the game.

SK: If you could change one thing about the way female athletes are perceived in Pakistan, what would it be?
NS: I would want female athletes to be recognised for their achievements and dedication, rather than judged by stereotypes. Women’s sports deserve the same respect, opportunities, and support as men’s sports.

SK: Looking back at the young girl who first picked up netball, what advice would today's Nisha give to her?
NS: I would tell her to believe in herself, be patient, and never give up. Every challenge will shape her into a stronger person, and one day, all the hard work will be worth it.

• Photographer: Yasser Sadiq @yasser.sadiq_
• Brand: Manto @mantostore
• Make-up & Hair: Nighat Misbah @depilexmas
• Coordination: Sidra Khan @sidrask