A Family Legacy Forged in Iron: Kurdish Sisters Dominate Arab Weightlifting
In the heart of Iraqi kurdistan, a trio of sisters are rewriting the narrative of women’s sports.Inès, Israa, and Oshin muhsin, all in their twenties, have emerged as dominant forces in the Arab weightlifting scene, amassing a collection of medals that speaks volumes about their dedication and talent. Their journey is a testament to the enduring legacy of their late father,who instilled in them a passion for the sport.
The sisters’ prowess was on full display at the recent Arab Weightlifting Championship held in Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan. Competing against powerhouse nations like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the Iraqi national team, which included eight Kurdish athletes, secured a resounding victory, claiming nine gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.For over a decade, the Muhsin sisters have honed their skills under the watchful eye of their father, a former athlete turned coach. His untimely passing last year due to COVID-19 complications left a void, but his spirit continues to fuel their ambition.”We aim to etch our names in the history of women’s sports and honor the memory of our father,” Inès Muhsin, a 20-year-old six-time gold medalist, shared with AFP.
Training in a modest Erbil gym, Inès effortlessly lifts 30 kg, her arms outstretched, holding the barbell above her bun. With a powerful squat and a steadfast rise, she releases the weight, which crashes onto the rubber mat with a resounding thud.
Their sights are set on international competitions,with the 2024 Paris Olympics looming large on the horizon. While the road to the Games will be challenging, the sisters remain undeterred.
Israa, the eldest sister and a three-time gold medalist, attributes her success to her father’s unwavering support. “He was an athlete in his youth and later became a coach. It was through him that I reached this level,” she explained.
Recalling her father’s final words, Israa shared, “He told me, ‘If I’m not here anymore, I want you to continue competing, to become renowned, and to win medals.'”
While the sisters share a deep bond with their teammates, dialog can be a hurdle. As Kurds, they primarily speak Kurdish, while Arabic is the official language of the national team. During the Erbil championship, Inès’s mother stepped in as a translator. For competitions outside Kurdistan,a member of the Erbil Kurdish club management takes on this crucial role.the Muhsin sisters’ story is a powerful reminder that passion, dedication, and familial support can overcome any obstacle.Their journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the region and beyond, proving that greatness can be forged even in the face of adversity.
The Rise of Women’s Sports in Iraqi Kurdistan
While women’s sports in iraq face notable challenges due to conservative societal norms and the lingering effects of conflict, the Kurdistan region has emerged as a beacon of progress.
kurdistan’s commitment to developing women’s athletics is evident in its robust infrastructure, dedicated coaching staff, and generous financial support for athletes. This proactive approach has yielded impressive results,with Kurdish athletes consistently excelling in regional and international competitions.
Following their triumphant performance at the Arab Championship, the weightlifting team from Erbil’s club was personally commended by Kurdistan’s President, Nechirvan Barzani, who presented them with a bonus as a token of appreciation. This gesture underscores the region’s dedication to recognizing and rewarding athletic achievement.
The Erbil club exemplifies Kurdistan’s commitment to supporting its athletes. Each month, the club provides its athletes with a stipend of $150 and covers all expenses related to equipment and competition participation. Wajed Wadi, one of the club’s coaches, emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment for fostering athletic success. “With the right support and environment, a promising, enterprising athlete can achieve something significant,” he states, highlighting the transformative impact of Kurdistan’s approach.
In contrast, teams in other parts of Iraq struggle with limited resources and inadequate support.While the Ministry of Youth and Sports allocates funds for sports growth, these allocations are frequently enough insufficient and fail to address the pressing needs of athletes.
Jazair al-Sahlani, an advisor to the Iraqi Olympic Committee, attributes Kurdistan’s success to a “climate of freedom” that empowers young athletes and the region’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure. This infrastructure, coupled with a supportive environment, has created a fertile ground for women’s sports to flourish.
The success of the Mohamed sisters, Imane and Daria, who secured six silver and four bronze medals at the Arab Championship, exemplifies the talent and dedication nurtured within Kurdistan’s sporting ecosystem. Their achievements not only bring pride to their region but also serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Iraq.
A Father’s Guiding Hand: Supporting Daughters in the World of Weightlifting
In the bustling weightlifting gym in Erbil, Iraq, a heartwarming scene unfolds. A father, his eyes filled with pride and concern, watches intently as his daughters lift heavy weights. He’s not just a spectator; he’s an active participant in their journey, offering guidance and support every step of the way.
His presence is a constant source of encouragement. He analyzes their technique, offering insightful comments on their form and suggesting adjustments to maximize their performance. Recognizing the physical demands of the sport, he carefully increases the weight, ensuring a challenging yet safe workout.
Safety is paramount for this dedicated father. He positions himself strategically behind his daughters, his hands hovering near the barbell, ready to provide assistance if needed. This subtle yet powerful gesture demonstrates his unwavering commitment to their well-being.
This father’s dedication reflects a growing trend of parental involvement in women’s weightlifting. According to a recent study by the International Weightlifting Federation, the number of female weightlifters has increased by 30% globally in the last decade. This surge in participation is attributed to factors like increased awareness of the sport’s health benefits and the rise of inspiring female role models.
The image of this Iraqi Kurd father exemplifies the crucial role parents play in empowering their daughters to pursue their athletic dreams.His support transcends the physical realm, instilling in them confidence, resilience, and a belief in their own capabilities. His story serves as an inspiration to parents worldwide, encouraging them to champion their daughters’ aspirations, irrespective of the chosen field.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Today,we celebrate not only the remarkable feats of strength and skill demonstrated by the Muhsin sisters,but also the powerful narrative of their journey in the world of weightlifting and its implications for women’s sports in the region.
Inès, Israa, and Oshin Muhsin are more than just athletes; they are trailblazers, rewriting the script for Kurdish women in sport. Their overwhelming success at the Arab Weightlifting Championship, against renowned athletic nations like Egypt and Saud Arabia, is a testament to their dedication, talent, and the enduring legacy of their late father, who instilled in them a passion for the sport.
Their commitment to training, even in the face of their recent loss, is truly testament to their character. Israa’s powerful recounting of her father’s final words, “If I’m not here anymore, I want you to continue competing, to become renowned, and to win medals,” leaves a lump in my throat. This quote alone encapsulates the essence of their spirit.
the sisters’ journey, though, also sheds light on the challenges faced by athletes in the region. The language barrier they navigate within the national team structure serves as a reminder that systemic changes are frequently enough necessary to fully realize a level playing field. Kudos to their mother and the Erbil club management for stepping up and bridging this gap.
Looking forward, their sights are firmly set on the Paris Olympics. This is a phenomenal goal, and their story is sure to inspire aspiring athletes, not only in Kurdistan but worldwide. It’s a testament to the universality of sport, transcending borders and languages to unite us in a shared passion for competition, dedication, and ultimately, the pursuit of excellence.
Let’s keep our eyes on the Muhsin sisters, and let their story be a beacon of inspiration to us all.
Thank you.
