British-Bangladeshi Muay Thai fighter Ruqsana Begum is the only female Muslim national champion in her sport. Since stepping into the ring aged 18, she has made a name for herself fighting both in and out of the ring to get Muslim women into sports—last year saw her launch her own range of Lycra hijabs fit for practice or competition. Here, British director David Leon talks about his high-energy portrait of the Essex-born athlete:

“I was looking for a strong woman with a story worth telling when I came across Ruqsana. A world-class Muslim woman Muay Thai fighter—an anomaly in a sport dominated by men—to me she embodies every aspect of what inspiration should be. She has overcome racial, social and religious stereotypes and conventions to compete at the world level in a sport for which there is no glamor, no remuneration and no lucrative endorsement deals.

“This is a dedication at its most pure, and Ruqsana is a role model not only to Muslim women but to everyone, regardless of their faith, background or ethnicity. It was a privilege to observe her in preparation for this important moment in her life. The surrogate father/daughter relationship that has developed with her trainer Bill is one of mutual dependence and mutual reward. It filled me with awe and is something that will live long in my memory.”