The Eighth International War Arts Championship recently took place, featuring both emerging athletes and several international competitors from outside Kurdistan. The majority of participants hailed from Kurdistan, Iraq, Syria, and Iran, with intense competition among them.
Dr. Zandi Jabbar, head of the Olympic Committee’s Erbil branch, highlighted the significance of the event: “A large number of athletes gathered with the goal of winning gold medals. What stands out is that the Olympic Committee’s Erbil branch oversaw the competition, particularly at the international refereeing level. Many participants were internationally recognized athletes. Following this championship, several cities and towns across Kurdistan have expressed interest in hosting similar events.”
He also emphasized the broader impact: “This initiative will help expand and strengthen sports infrastructure in Kurdistan. One of the remarkable aspects of the championship was the participation of female athletes. It’s crucial that we provide greater support for these sports, ensuring attention from financial, moral, and media perspectives.”