Sybil Sohail, a young Christian athlete, made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a gold medal at the Asian Weightlifting Masters Championship, held last week in Doha, Qatar.
The achievement also marked Sohail’s international debut in weightlifting. She is already known as a Commonwealth powerlifting champion.
The 31-year-old competed in the 59 kg category, lifting a total of 95 kg to secure the gold medal. Her performance included a 40 kg lift in the snatch and a more solid performance of 55 kg lift in the clean and jerk.
Speaking to reporters in Doha following the event, Sohail said she had always dreamed of making her country and family proud.
“We have sacrificed a lot for the sport, but I need to make sure that all of that effort and dedication pays off,” she said, according to media reports.
Sohail is the eldest of the four Sohail sisters — Twinkle, Veronika, and Mariam — who have become prominent figures in Pakistani strength sports. At the 2024 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships, the sisters made headlines by winning a combined total of 15 gold medals. Sybil contributed six of those wins.
She previously earned international recognition at the 2017 International Oceania Pacific Powerlifting Championship in Singapore, where she won gold medals in the squat, bench press, deadlift, and overall categories.
The Sohail sisters have become symbols of resilience in Pakistan, known for breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. Their story is considered one of unwavering determination and the pursuit of excellence.
Twinkle Sohail said that while her sister had achieved much in powerlifting, she had long aspired to compete in international weightlifting as well.
“She missed out on the trials for the national weightlifting squad for the South Asian Games in 2016 because she had an exam on the same day,” Twinkle said. “So since 2016, this has been a wish of hers that she finally fulfilled now. It took her nine years to achieve what she really wanted.”
Sybil holds a bachelor’s degree in sports science and physical education from Punjab University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D.
Speaking to Christian Daily International, her father, Sohail Javed Khokhar, said he was immensely proud of his daughters’ achievements.
“My daughters have not only made Pakistan proud, but they are also a source of pride for the Pakistani Christian community,” he said. “They are pioneers in women’s powerlifting and weightlifting in Pakistan, and their hard work and achievements are inspiring other girls to take up this sport.”
However, Khokhar expressed disappointment over the lack of official support for his daughters, noting that government recognition has been limited to social media praise.
“Though our government officials offer congratulations on social media, they have not sponsored their participation in any international events, nor has the government given them any reward,” he said. “All their travel and other costs are covered by private sponsors, despite the fact that they represent Pakistan and win medals for their country.”
The Sohail sisters, also known as the “Power Girls,” gained international attention in 2018 after setting a unique record at the ABP Championship in Dubai. The Asian Powerlifting Federation noted in a statement at the time, “In the APF powerlifting history, we never had four sisters competing at any powerlifting event and all four winning medals.”
