Sharjah University students win gold and silver at Asian powerlifting student competition

Raniya Shamel Al Janabi, a third-year medicine student, finished first in the under 76 kg weight class category. She also walked away with four gold medals in squats, bench, deadlifts, and total weight of all three lifts combined.

Fahed Alrefai, a final-year dentistry student, won a silver in the 59 kg category. He also went on to compete in the World Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships held from August 28 to September 3, 2023, in Romania, collecting one silver medal and 3 bronzes.

Over 40 universities and 11 member countries took part in the games which were co-organized by the Asian University Cup. The event has been described as “the most successful … in the APF history," according to APF's official website.

The competition divides men and women based on their bodyweight classes. They are then required to execute three lifts: squats, bench, and deadlifts. The winners are those who pick up the highest weights in their categories for each lift, as well as the total combined weights from all three lifts together.

“It feels incredible. This is the first time such a grand competition is being held in the UAE, and I'm so lucky that my own University was the one organizing it," said Al Janabi. “It's always been one of my dreams to accomplish something in the name of not just my university but also the UAE and I'm really proud to have contributed to this success."

Alrefai said: “It feels great and such an honor to represent the UoS, especially in a competition like the Asian Cup, as big as it is."

Both students attributed their interest in powerlifting to their competitive spirit and love for fitness and health.

“I strongly believe in the famous saying 'Health is Wealth', doing any type of physical exercise should always be a priority in everyone's lives," Al Janabi said.

Al Janabi's next goal is to compete in the World Powerlifting Championships, “where I get to compete amongst the strongest athletes across the globe, and most importantly my aim is to break world records in it."

Alrefai will be competing in the Asian Championships held in December, where he will represent his country, Kuwait.