Iraqi women weightlifters aim for glory - in pictures

The sport is gaining popularity in the country

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.

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's infrastructure, facilities and government funding have paved the way for a boom in professional women's sports.

A woman trains in Arbil.

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.

Going for glory: more and more women in Iraq are training to become professional athletes.

The National