English singer spends 6 months learning Urdu to sing Pakistan’s national anthem

English mezzo-soprano Laura Wright spent six months learning Urdu to sing Pakistan's national anthem, Qaumi Taranah, at Headingley. This was not Wright's first time singing an unfamiliar anthem; she had previously performed India's Jana Gana Mana in 2025 for a Test match against England. Wright considers these assignments with great responsibility and only accepts when she can prepare adequately.

She explained that she focuses on pronunciation, understanding the words, and their phrasing. For Pakistan's anthem, she dedicated six months to studying the language. Wright's connection with sports started in her teenage years when she played hockey, netball, tennis, and rugby, and competed in javelin at county level. After studying at the Royal College of Music, she combined her passion for music and sports, performing at sporting events globally.