Twinkle Sohail

Twinkle Sohail (born 1998) is a Pakistani powerlifter from Lahore. In 2015, she became the first Pakistani woman to win an international gold medal in powerlifting, claiming gold in the 47 kg Junior category at the Asian Bench Press Championship in Muscat, Oman, on her international debut. She is a multiple national champion and has represented Pakistan in powerlifting competitions across Asia, Oceania, and the Commonwealth.

Personal life

Twinkle was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, into a family from Pakistan's Christian community. She holds a degree in BS Sports Sciences from the University of Lahore.

Career

Twinkle began her sporting career as a cyclist before coach Rashid Malik identified her potential in powerlifting. She trains at the Punjab University Women's Weightlifting Centre in Lahore under coaches Rashid Malik and Muhammad Zahid, and represents Pakistan Railways in national competitions.

National

In November 2019, she won gold in the 76 kg category at the 33rd National Games of Pakistan in Peshawar.

International

In 2015, aged 17, Twinkle competed at the Asian Bench Press Championship in Muscat, Oman. She was the first Pakistani woman to represent her country at an international powerlifting event=, and won gold in the 47 kg Junior (Under-21) category — making her simultaneously the first Pakistani woman to win an international powerlifting gold medal.

In July 2024, at the Asian Pacific African Combined Powerlifting Championship in South Africa, she competed in the 84 kg category and won four gold medals — in the squat, bench press, deadlift, and overall.