WATCH: Female Kurdish bodybuilder has eyes on stardom

"One of my dreams is to reach the pinnacle of this sport. I want to be a bodybuilding star."
kurdistan24.net

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A female Kurdish bodybuilder in the Kurdistan Region is determined to become the next big bodybuilding star.

Dilkhosh Abdullah has won three bodybuilding and fitness awards for women in the Kurdistan Region. She visits the gym every day and is determined to become one of the best athletes in the sport.

“Bodybuilding was always a dream of mine when I was young,” she told Kurdistan 24 in between sets at a local gym in the city of Rania.

For the past two and a half years, Abdullah has actively participated in local bodybuilding competitions. She says she is proud of her achievements to date but is hungry for more success.

“In a competition in Sulaimani, I finished in second place. During a tournament in Rania, I was able to finish in first. In a national competition in Erbil, I was able to finish runner-up. All praise be to God,” she stated.

There are many women in the Kurdistan Region who, like Abdullah, are interested in bodybuilding and fitness, in general. Abdullah noted that despite societal taboos surrounding women in the sport, many continue to take part.

“We have many women and girls who want to take part in this sport, but many obstacles are blocking their path,” she told Kurdistan 24.

“For example, if a young woman wants to come to the gym, their uncles, brothers, or fathers may prevent them from doing so,” the Kurdish athlete added. “Despite this, many women want to pursue fitness.”

Over the past few years, many women have come to the gym to get fit or participate in different fitness classes. Some women, like Abdullah, dream of becoming the next big bodybuilding star.

On her achievements, Abdullah said she wants to win even more honors in the sport and become a star in Kurdistan and abroad.

“One of my dreams is to reach the pinnacle of this sport. I want to be a bodybuilding star. Lord willing, I will be able to achieve this feat.”

(Additional reporting by Araz Amin)