At the tender age of fourteen, Ghaida Salah Al-Din Al-Matkobis etched her name in the history of Libyan karate, becoming the first female karate player in Al-Ajilat, overcoming all the challenges and obstacles that stood in her way.
Her remarkable journey began in 2019 when she joined Ghot Beyout Club, where she trained with unwavering passion and determination, defying all expectations. She never anticipated reaching such a high level with the continuous support of her coach Rabie, and her mother, who gave her the strength and determination to move forward.
Despite being the only female player in her city, she did not hesitate to participate in numerous championships, achieving first place on several occasions, most notably the 2022 Libyan Championship, the 2023 Benghazi Championship (first and second place), and the 2024 Libyan Championship, proving to everyone that she will creates miracles.
However, the path was not strewn with roses, as she faced the stereotypical societal view that disapproves of girls practicing martial arts. But with resilience, she managed to break these barriers, becoming an inspiring role model for her generation of girls and opening new horizons for them in the world of sports.
Ghaida did not stand idly by when she and her colleagues were delayed in receiving their dues after a championship; instead, they took the initiative to establish the Youth Academy themselves, to be a haven for young men and women aspiring to develop their karate skills, and to establish a new sports culture in their community.
Ghaida’s ambitions are not limited to local championships; she aspires to participate in international competitions and represent Libya globally, and dreams of establishing her own sports hall to train the girls of her community, and With unlimited support from her mother, Ghaida strives to to fulfill her father’s dream of obtaining a black belt, to become a symbol of challenge and determination.
