Sport has a way of producing certain stories that sound unbelievable, like they’ve been plucked effortlessly from the world of fiction. The story of the Sohail sisters – Twinkle Sohail, Sybil Sohail, and Veronika Sohail – is just that. The trio made and smashed records in the world of powerlifting in just four months and took home 30 gold medals.
The Sohail sisters proved their mettle in the Asian Pacific African Combined Powerlifting Championship and the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship, held in South Africa. Apart from making newspaper headlines, this achievement brought Pakistan’s powerlifting prowess into the international limelight.
‘We train together, we fight together, and we win together’
THE SILENT RISE: Before getting down to the spectacular feats of these amazing sisters, it is important to figure out where they’ve come from. Powerlifting is an exotic relative of weightlifting, which remained unidentified in Pakistan. Pakistan Powerlifting Federation secretary Rashid Malik looks back at how the sport has fared.
“The brawl with the Weightlifting Federation has been a problem for as long as I can remember. While their players have been caught using performance-enhancing substances and still get recognition, powerlifting is quietly growing at the grassroots level,” he said, adding that powerlifting was still fighting for formal accreditation from the Pakistan Sports Board, despite the sport gaining popularity.
“The Weightlifting Federation is a registered body, and they are opposing us. But we’re in talks with the Pakistan Sports Board, and I’m hopeful we will have a positive outcome soon,” the secretary told Jarida Today. Despite all these obstacles, he said that the Sohail sisters have blazed a trail that cannot be ignored.
MEET THE CHAMPIONS: Sybil Sohail, the youngest, competes in the 47kg category. Veronika Sohail, the middle sister, battles in the 52kg category, while Twinkle Sohail, the eldest, dominates the 84kg class. They clinched gold at both the championships in three events – squat, bench press, and deadlift. Their humble but fiery spirits shone through when this scribe interviewed them.
Sybil, who won six gold medals between the two championships, laughed when asked if she ever feels overshadowed by her elder sisters. “Not at all!” she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “If anything, it pushes me harder. Veronika and Twinkle are always right there, which drives me to lift just a little more. It’s a family thing – we support each other but are fiercely competitive.”
Veronika, who claimed five golds, reflected on the emotional side of the competition. “Powerlifting isn’t just about strength; it’s about mental resilience. Every time I step up to lift, I remind myself why I’m doing this. It’s not just for us; it’s for every girl who thinks she can’t. We’ve had to break many barriers, not just in sports but in society too.”
Twinkle, the eldest and most experienced, revealed that her victory was deeply personal. “Back in July, I dedicated my wins to Benazir Bhutto [the former prime minister of Pakistan],” she said softly. “I admire her journey and how she led Pakistan with so much strength. She was a trailblazer, and in many ways, we feel like we’re trying to do the same in powerlifting.”
GRIT, SWEAT, AND DEDICATION
Winning 30 gold medals in just four months might sound like a whirlwind success, but the reality is far from glamorous. The sisters’ achievements result from years of training, sacrifice, and a relentless dedication. Long days in the gym, strict diets, and a focus on mental toughness define their routines. “There were days I didn’t want to train when the weight felt too heavy, but that’s when you have to push through the most. That’s when champions are made,” Veronika confided.
Their coach, whom they call the unsung hero, has been instrumental in guiding them through the physical and mental demands of the sport. “Our coach knows us better than we know ourselves, sometimes,” Sybil said. “He can tell when we’re tired, need rest, or need that extra push. None of this would’ve been possible without his support.” The bond between the sisters and their coach is unbreakable, and the synergy speaks to their collective success. “We train together, we fight together, and we win together,” Twinkle said.
Rashid Malik believes “amazing sisters” have potential to qualify for World Powerlifting Games in China next year
GLOBAL STAGES BECKON: Rashid Malik is optimistic about the future of the sport. He believes the Sohail sisters have potential to qualify for the World Powerlifting Games in China next year. “They’ve shown they can dominate on this level. Now, it’s time to set our sights on the global stage. They’re also on track to compete in the FISU World Championship Powerlifting and the Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship in Tashkent this December,” he said.
The road ahead will be long, and the challenges will be significant, but if anyone can face them head-on, it’s these three sisters. “We’re just getting started,” Twinkle said. “We want to achieve so much more, and we know it’s possible.” While the Sohail sisters have earned a place in the history scrolls, their journey is far from over. With 30 gold medals in their kitty and more in the offing, their achievements are beyond just being about the successes of three girls.
The story tells of unity, determination, and breaking social and sporting barriers. While powerlifting continues struggling for recognition at the national level in Pakistan, these sisters are living proof that the sport and, most definitely, its athletes are a force to be reckoned with. Be it at the squat rack, on the bench press, or the floor with the deadlift, the amazing sisters are lifting weights and the hopes and dreams of a nation.