• In Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, sisters Ines, Israa and Oshin Muhsin have inherited a hefty mantle from their late father, using it to take their country to weightlifting glory. All photos: AFP
    In Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, sisters Ines, Israa and Oshin Muhsin have inherited a hefty mantle from their late father, using it to take their country to weightlifting glory. All photos: AFP
  • An Iraqi Kurdish woman competes during a weightlifting championship in Arbil, in which 14 Arab countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, participated.
    An Iraqi Kurdish woman competes during a weightlifting championship in Arbil, in which 14 Arab countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, participated.
  • Women's sports have developed at a sluggish pace across much of conservative Iraq, which has struggled through decades of conflict.
    Women's sports have developed at a sluggish pace across much of conservative Iraq, which has struggled through decades of conflict.
  • The Kurdistan region was spared the brunt of the violence and destruction.
    The Kurdistan region was spared the brunt of the violence and destruction.
  • The Kurdistan region's infrastructure, facilities and government funding have paved the way for a boom in professional women's sports.
    The Kurdistan region's infrastructure, facilities and government funding have paved the way for a boom in professional women's sports.
  • A woman trains in Arbil.
    A woman trains in Arbil.
  • Woman in Iraq are slowly taking part in more and more sporting activities.
    Woman in Iraq are slowly taking part in more and more sporting activities.
  • Weightlifting is just one sport that is proving popular among women in the country.
    Weightlifting is just one sport that is proving popular among women in the country.
  • Going for glory: more and more women in Iraq are training to become professional athletes.
    Going for glory: more and more women in Iraq are training to become professional athletes.

MENA

Iraqi women weightlifters aim for glory - in pictures

The sport is gaining popularity in the country

The National

March 08, 2022

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Updated: March 09, 2022, 5:42 AM
IraqWomen's sportsPhotography