It is for the first time in the history of Iraq that the nation would have a female national weightlifting team, which is scheduled to participate in the Arab Weightlifting championship. They are eager to represent their country and win medals.
HAVE YOU heard of female weightlifters representing iraq in
world sporting events. Not until now, but that is soon going to change as young female weightlifters from Iraq are going to represent their nation in the Arab Weightlifting championship in the Moroccan Capital, Rabat. They have been busy preparing for the championship and hope to return with medals.
Female sportspersons from such countries are not always welcome to compete in such events, where they get to mingle with people from different cultures and societies. Though not everyone in the country may encourage such kind of activity, but the coach of the Iraqi national team, Abbas Ahmed Abbas does not agree with it. “I used to work in a religious traditional area and I faced no problem or rejection and was encouraged by everyone. The problem is financial and logistical support,” he said.
Even the females who train are very upbeat about representing the nation, which is a feat in itself - being a woman. A 13-year-old team member, Tiba Nabil said, “I want to be a well known athlete and later become a coach. These are my ambitions.”It is great to hear such statement from females from countries, which practice orthodox forms of religion. The future for women in Iraq looks better with girls taking part in such sports.
But, these athletes do face some problems when they come for training, especially issues related to their dress. Another team member, Hoda Salem said, “I only take off my veil when I am training. I take it off when I enter the gym and put it back on when I go home.” Their biggest challenge lies in competing against the better players and defeating them to win medals.
