Syrian weightlifter Mirghan Haji trains girls in Raqqa — Anadolu Agency

Mirghan Haji, a 17-year-old Syrian weightlifting champion, trains younger girls in Raqqa, Syria, at the gym where she herself began training at the age of nine. The athlete aims to continue competing internationally and help her trainees reach world championships and the Olympic Games.

As Anadolu Agency reports, Haji finished second at her first championship in 2023 and won competitions in 2024 and 2025. In 2026, she competed at the Syrian Republic Championship and in qualification for the world championship.

Four medals in South Africa

Haji said that she set world records during the qualifying events and secured a place at the world championship. At competitions in South Africa in August, she won three gold medals and one silver medal.

The athlete also said that she qualified for another world championship in 2025 but was unable to travel because of visa difficulties. She later took first place in qualifying competitions for the West Asian Championship in Qatar.

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Training for younger athletes

Haji teaches weightlifting to her sisters, as well as girls named Marah and Faiza. She believes they can succeed in international competitions. Training includes snatch, clean and jerk, pulling and pressing movements, as well as work on balance and flexibility.

According to the weightlifter, achieving results in this sport requires not only strength, but also flexibility, mobility, balance and proper technique. Haji noted that the girls have been training for about four years and are constantly improving.

She thanked her family for their support, specifically naming her mother as an important source of motivation. Haji also said that Raqqa Governor Abdurrahman al-Salama and her coach helped pay for preparations for the international championship.