Athlete from Kobani breaks world records in West Asia Powerlifting

In a remarkable sporting achievement, Mergan Haji, the daughter of Kobani, made history at the West Asia Powerlifting Championship, which kicked off on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in the Qatari capital, Doha. She was crowned with four gold medals in the 63 kg category after a standout performance that captured the spotlight.

Mergan’s success was not limited to winning gold; she also managed to break world records in her category, setting a groundbreaking precedent for Syrian sports and, in particular, for women in North and East Syria. She has now established herself among the leading champions on the regional stage.

Mergan Mahmoud Haji hails from the city of Kobani and currently resides with her family in Raqqa. She began her journey in weightlifting at the age of 10, becoming the first girl to join the Raqqa powerlifting team after the city’s liberation from ISIS, under the guidance of coach Ahmad al-Saleh.

She quickly made her name in local competitions, securing second place at the national level in Syria in 2023, then winning first place in the Republic Championship, where she broke Arab records in the 57 kg category by a margin of 35 kg.

She represented Syria and North and East Syria at the West Asia Championship in Qatar (August 20, 2025), and is now preparing to compete in the World Championship in Costa Rica (August 25, 2025), with the ambition of breaking another world record.

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ANHA