As part of the “Syrian Successes” series launched by the Syrian Future Movement to highlight Syrian figures who have proven their presence and excellence in the fields of science, work, creativity, and sports around the world, we celebrate today the young Syrian weightlifter, Mohammad Al-Kateb, from Al-Sha’la Club in Aleppo. He has continued to make his mark on the international stage, raising Syria’s name high at the World Junior Weightlifting Championships.
Who is Mohammad Al-Kateb?
Mohammad Al-Kateb is a member of Al-Sha’la Club in Aleppo and is considered one of the most prominent rising Syrian names in weightlifting in recent years. He began his international career in 2019 and has gradually established himself in Asian and world championships despite the difficult circumstances that Syrian sports have faced.
Key Personal and Athletic Information:
- Name: Mohammad Al-Kateb
- Club: Al-Sha’la Club – Aleppo
- Specialty: Weightlifting
- Last Competition Category: 88 kg
A Rising International Career:
Mohammad Al-Kateb began his international career in late 2019 at the World Junior Championships in the 81 kg weight class, where he finished sixth. He has since continued to develop his technical and physical abilities remarkably.
His most notable achievements:
- Bronze medal at the Asian Youth Championships – New Delhi 2023.
- Bronze medal at the Asian Youth and Junior Championships – Doha 2024 in the 96 kg weight class.
- Sixth place at the Islamic Solidarity Games – Riyadh 2025 in the 88 kg weight class.
A New Global Achievement in Egypt:
Mohammad Al-Kateb recently participated in the World Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Ismailia, Egypt. The competition featured athletes representing 52 countries worldwide.
Despite the fierce competition, the Syrian athlete achieved impressive results and set new Syrian records.
His results at the championships:
- Tenth place overall.
- Ninth place in the clean and jerk.
- Snatch: 148 kg
- Clean and Jerk: 179 kg
- Total: 327 kg
Breaking Syrian Records:
Mohammad Al-Kateb’s participation wasn’t limited to honorable competition; he also managed to break several Syrian records in his category.
New Records:
- Breaking the Syrian record in the clean and jerk twice:
- 177 kg on the first attempt.
- 179 kg on the second attempt.
- The previous Syrian record was 176 kg.
Breaking the Syrian record in the total:
- New record: 327 kg
- Previous record: 325 kg
Sports in the Vision of the Syrian Future Movement:
The Syrian Future Movement believes that sports are not merely competition or physical activity, but rather a physical, psychological, and national necessity, and a true tool for building a healthy and balanced Syrian individual, and for promoting the values of peace, discipline, tolerance, and teamwork.
The movement also emphasizes the importance of individual sports, such as weightlifting, swimming, and running, in building a resilient and self-developing character, free from inferiority complexes, fanaticism, and conflict.
Therefore, we believe that supporting Syrian sports federations and athletes, and investing genuinely in sports infrastructure, is an integral part of the project to rebuild modern Syria, especially after years of destruction, neglect, and institutional decline.
Sports for the Nation, Not for Politicization:
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its call to protect Syrian sports from politicization and polarization, and to dedicate them to serving the nation and the Syrian people, far removed from narrow partisan or sectarian interests.
Sports have always been a space capable of uniting Syrians, rekindling hope, and creating success stories that society desperately needs at this critical juncture.
A Salute to Syrian Sports:
We in the Syrian Future Movement believe that building Syria’s future is not based on politics alone, but also requires brilliant minds, strong bodies, youthful energy, and stories that sprout hope from the depths of suffering.
All appreciation and respect to the Syrian weightlifter, Muhammad Al-Kateb, and to every Syrian athlete who chose the path of renaissance instead of defeat, and work instead of waiting, and raised the name of Syria in international forums despite all the challenges.
