Taekwondo coach Qasim Al-Budairi transforming youth in Al-Mishkhab

NAJAF — The sports halls at the Al-Mishkhab Youth Forum in Najaf’s Al-Mishkhab district are attracting young people aged 10-20 to learn the art of taekwondo under the guidance of black belt coach Qasim Al-Budairi.

Despite limited equipment, such as sports uniforms and training gear, the forum continues to thrive. Parents report noticeable improvements in their children’s behavior, increased physical strength, and social engagement.

Aqil Aziz, Deputy Director of the Al-Mishkhab Youth Forum, told 964media that the forum trains various age groups, eventually preparing them to represent the Al-Mishkhab Sports Club. Training begins in the forum’s halls and progresses to a specialized martial arts center where trainees undergo tests to earn belts ranging from white to black.

“We have several trainees who have earned different belts through tests at the specialized center. We are currently preparing for upcoming competitions, starting with friendly matches between forum players in preparation for the Najaf Youth and Sports Directorate Championship,” Aziz said.

He highlighted the numerous challenges faced by sports forums across Iraq, including Al-Mishkhab, with a primary concern being the lack of equipment. Unlike sports such as football, taekwondo requires specific gear such as uniforms, foot and hand guards, and chest protectors, which are not easily accessible.

Despite these challenges, the forum successfully graduates a significant number of trainees each year, and registration remains open with the condition of parental approval.

Zain Al-Abidin Samir, a parent of one of the trainees, expressed his satisfaction to 964media, stating, “My children’s behavior has changed since they joined this sport at the Al-Mishkhab Youth Forum. They have made friends and come out of the isolation caused by their phones.”

“Their bodies have become stronger and more developed. Seeing my son’s progress, I decided to buy additional training equipment for home use. What makes me happiest is the positive behavior my children have acquired from this sport, as they have built friendships and overcome social anxiety,” he concluded.