Powerlifter-turned-weightlifter Sybil Sohail has become the first Pakistani woman to clinch a gold medal at the Asian Weightlifting Masters Championship in Doha, Qatar—an incredible achievement marking her international weightlifting debut.
The 31-year-old athlete, already a Commonwealth Powerlifting Champion, had long dreamed of raising Pakistan’s flag on the Asian weightlifting stage. After becoming the Asian Commonwealth Powerlifting and Commonwealth Powerlifting champion last year, she set her sights on this historic milestone.
“I want to make my country and my family proud. We’ve sacrificed so much for this sport, and I need to ensure that all of that dedication pays off,” Sybil shared in an interview from Doha.
Competing in the 59kg category, Sybil lifted a total of 95kg to secure her gold medal. She managed 40kg in the snatch and a strong 55kg in the clean and jerk.
Sybil is the eldest of the powerlifting and weightlifting sisters—Twinkle, Veronika, and Mariam Sohail—who have all made a name for themselves in the sport. The sisters achieved a remarkable feat at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships last year, collectively winning 15 gold medals—six of them earned by Sybil alone.
As members of Lahore’s Christian community, the sisters have become shining examples for minority groups in Pakistan, breaking barriers and rewriting narratives.
Sybil credits her sister Twinkle for introducing her to the sport and their coach, Rashed Malik, for guiding and training them at their club at Punjab University grounds.
“Sybil had never competed in weightlifting internationally before,” Twinkle explained. “It was her debut and a dream she had always held close because she was fascinated by weightlifting. To win a gold medal on her debut is just massive.”
A Dream Nine Years in the Making
Twinkle recalled a bitter memory from 2016, when Sybil missed the trials for the national weightlifting squad due to an exam. It was a missed opportunity that stayed with her.
“She knew she would’ve secured her spot, but she couldn’t compete. So since 2016, this has been her goal—a wish she’s finally fulfilled. It took nine years, but she’s done it,” Twinkle said.
This victory brings immense pride to their family, and Twinkle understands the drive behind her sister’s triumph.
“I started sports in our family. I remember when I was selected to go to Nepal in 2019, but the government only had funds for five players, and I was sixth on the list despite winning a silver medal. These disappointments fuel our ambition,” Twinkle shared.
“Hopefully, I’ll make my mark in weightlifting too,” she added with determination.
Changing Perceptions, One Medal at a Time
Sybil’s dedication is also challenging stereotypes about women in weightlifting. She’s quick to dismiss the myth that weightlifting is harmful to women’s health.
“It’s actually a misconception that weightlifting messes with women’s hormones and causes complications with having children,” she said. “In fact, building muscles and weight training are healthy for us. I know so many Pakistani powerlifters and weightlifters who went on to have children after their active years in the sport.”
Sybil Sohail’s story isn’t just about winning medals—it’s about rewriting expectations, empowering women, and making history for Pakistan.
