In 1998, Shabnam took her first steps towards a boxing ring and in 2001, she became one of the first women boxing coaches in India. Also as India’s first woman to be an international boxing referee and judge, Shabnam has an inspiring story.
 
Shabnam not only fought the stereotype that makes boxing an impossible career for women but also fought the stigma of being a boxer from a Muslim community.

In 1997-98, when boxing clubs in Kolkata’s localities of Ekbalpore and Kidderpore, primarily inhabited by Muslims welcomed girls to participate and train, her family completely supported her. Rahat Hussain, Shabnam’s father has been a wrestler himself and also has a brother who is in boxing. He stuck to her decisions and supported her passion, in spite of knowing that the neighbors did not seem happy with this prospect.
 
Her lifestyle in a 1BHK flat in the Muslim-dominated Ekbalpore area makes it very clear that all her success and achievements have not been able to support her family better financially. The salary that she makes by coaching young girls and from officiating boxing matches does not fulfill her socio-economic needs. Her husband, a trader, brings in the source of income that the household depends on.
 
Shabnam is not only a boxing coach but she also stands for freedom for women against all the injustices of society and oppression.

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