'Bijî!'

Darbandikhan athlete rises as local volleyball star with unwavering support from her father

2024-08-27 | 16:06

DARBANDIKHAN — A young and dedicated athlete from Sulaymaniyah’s Darbandikhan district is quickly gaining recognition in Iraq’s sports scene. Diya Wali, a standout volleyball player for the Darbandikhan Volleyball Club, recently led her team to victory in Iraq’s youth championships. But beyond her athletic skills, it is the passionate support of her father that has captured widespread attention and contributed significantly to her success.

A viral video on social media shows Diya’s father, Wali Saeed, cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines during a match. Perched on the edge of the stands, he shouted, “Bijî!”—a Kurdish expression meaning “long live”—providing a constant source of encouragement for his daughter.

Despite the recent victory, Diya has little time to rest as she prepares for an international competition in Tunisia. She has been selected to represent Iraq’s national team in the upcoming tournament.

“My father’s support gives me a lot of happiness and motivates me to try harder and perform at a very high level,” Diya told 964media.

Diya continues to train intensively, with her father always by her side. “My father has been at almost all my games, especially the important ones. He sits in the stands as a fan, cheering me on and giving me more energy with his clapping and shouting,” she shared. “My family supports me a lot, especially in sports. My father has always been there to help me realize my dreams, little by little. I am very thankful.”

Wali Saeed, who often accompanies his daughter to training sessions and matches in other cities, expressed his pride in her achievements. “I don’t listen to what people say. I am my daughter’s biggest supporter. I attend her training and matches, and I am very proud of her achievements. I hope all fathers support their daughters the way I do,” he told 964media.

Saeed’s support extends beyond his daughter, as he encourages other girls on Diya’s team, treating them like his own. “I hope every father is like me,” he said.

Eighteen-year-old Diya has been playing volleyball for over six years. Now, she and her father are focused on her upcoming challenge in Tunisia, where she will compete as one of Iraq’s selected players in an international volleyball tournament.