Holder of major titles and a leading figure in advancing women’s sports in Iraq and Kurdistan
Berivan Jalal, a Kurdish sports star in both Kurdistan and Iraq, was born in 1995 in Sulaymaniyah. In this interview with The Kurdish Globe, she reflects on her sports journey and highlights the progress and challenges facing women’s sports in the region.
She recalls how her passion for sports began in school: “With the help of my sports teacher, I was able to develop my talent and enter the world of sports starting in intermediate school,” she says.
Berivan emphasizes the role of self-confidence as a key to success, while also recognizing the support of her family and coaches as partners in her achievements.
She believes that women’s sports still face significant challenges: “The environment hasn’t yet developed to the level it should,” she explains, calling for more support and opportunities that allow women to fully express their talent and role in sports.
Berivan also acknowledges the impact of the financial crisis on sports development in recent years: “I hope the government builds a better plan to support athletes in the coming years,” she adds.
Despite the difficulties, she is encouraged by the opening of more schools and training centers for girls in football: “It’s gratifying to see these steps being taken so women don’t give up on sports.”
On her future in sports, Berivan says: “An athlete must always be ready. Whenever championships restart, I’m ready—and I continue to train for both the Kurdistan and Iraq teams. I hope I can leave my mark.”
Berivan Jalal’s sports background
• Graduate of Sulaymaniyah Sports Education Institute – First place at Kurdistan Region level
• Graduate of Halabja University, College of Sports Education – First place in all four stages
• Master’s degree in Sports Physiology
• Current player on Iraq’s national futsal team
Clubs played for:
Sirwan Sharazoor, Sarshnar, New Sirwan, Aphrodite, Erbil Women’s Team, Baghdad Bilad Team, Halabja Shahid Team, Choman Team, Al-Zawraa Team, North Oil Team
Key sports achievements
• 2012 – 1st and 2nd place with New Sirwan in newcomers’ 100m and 200m track and field
• 2013 – 1st in Kurdistan and Iraq in handball with Aphrodite; 2nd in futsal with same team
• 2014 – 5th place in Arab Women’s Handball Championship (UAE Mother Championship) with Iraq National Team
• 2017 – 1st in Kurdistan in futsal with Erbil Women’s Team
• 2018 – 1st in Kurdistan Futsal League with New Sirwan (first-ever win for Sulaymaniyah in Kurdistan Cup)
• 2020 – 2nd in Kurdistan with Choman Team; 2nd in Iraq Club Futsal League
• 2022 – 1st in Kurdistan Women’s League with Erbil; 2nd in Iraq Cup with Al-Zawraa Club
• 2023 – 1st in Kurdistan League and 1st in Iraq Cup with Erbil Women’s Team
• 2021–2022 – West Asia Champion with Iraq’s National Futsal Team
• Member of the International Football Spirit Organization (SOS) for 4 years
International recognition and certificates
• International coaching certificate in bodybuilding and fitness
• Certificate in sports nutrition (Certificate of Attendance)
• Bodybuilding and fitness coaching certificate (Iraq level)
• Participation in Kurdistan Football Schools Coaching Course
• Certificate from UAE Arab Handball Championship
• Participation in Swedish Kurdish Dal Team Football Training Camp
• Participation in Futsal Training and Coaching Camp in France
• Football Coaching Certificate from Real Madrid Institution, Spain
In 2018, Berivan Jalal was honored as Best Professional Girls’ Player in Kurdistan—a recognition that capped off years of dedication, hard work, and sporting excellence.
The Kurdish Globe