Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan women proved their mettle at the Asian Powerlifting and Bench Press Championship as they won three gold, four silver and three bronze medals in Dubai to become one of the strongest female squad to emerge from the country. Pakistan had never sent nine women at an event before and the initiative of sending more women than men paid off well. Pakistan’s Twinkle Sohail, her youngest sister Veronica Sohail and Nuzhat Jabeen grabbed gold medals. Twinkle was a favourite to win the 72kg juniors category, while teenager Veronica made her international debut with style as she took the gold in the Under-17, 47kg event, whereas Jabeen was competing in Master2 category.

On the other hand, Karachi-based Rabia Shahzad took the silver medal in 52kg juniors event, outclassing Indian powerlifters, while Saniha Ghafoor, who had the toughest draws got herself a silver in the 57kg juniors event. Nadia Maqsood and Rabia Razaq also settled with silver medals in the 72kg seniors and 84kg juniors events respectively. This was a proud moment for Twinkle and Veronica as their other two sisters Mariyum Sohail won a bronze medal in the 72kg seniors’ event while Sybil Sohail finished third in the 47kg open event. For Shahzad, the Asian Bench Press was a first. Also, as a girl from Karachi, where powerlifting among women is not popular at all and almost unheard of.

Published in Daily Times, September 24^th 2018.