Iraqi para-taekwondo champion Hussein Yasser trains for world championship

BABYLON — Iraqi para-taekwondo champion Hussein Yasser is training intensively to secure a top-three finish at the upcoming World Championship in Bahrain, despite facing significant challenges, including financial constraints and limited government support. Yasser, a four-time national champion, has an impressive record of victories in Arab and Asian competitions.

“I am the Iraq champion in para-taekwondo for four years and have achieved many milestones,” Yasser told 964media. “In 2022, I took first place in the Arab Championship in Egypt, competing against athletes from 12 countries. In the 2023 Asian Championship in Lebanon, I secured third place amid strong competition. I also participated in the Asian Games in China in 2023, where I held my own despite limited training resources.”

However, Yasser emphasized the lack of support he has faced. “Unfortunately, I have received no financial or moral support from local government officials or the Ministry of Youth and Sports, despite my accomplishments. I am preparing for the World Championship in Bahrain, but with travel costs totaling five million Iraqi dinars, I am forced to cover the expenses myself.”

Yasser’s disciplined training regimen includes three hours of morning exercises at home with basic equipment and an additional three hours of evening training at the club gym. He has reached out to the Minister of Youth and Sports, the governor, and the deputy governor for financial assistance but has yet to receive a response.

Nabeel Al-Tahan, coach of the Babylon Taekwondo Club, lauded Yasser’s dedication and talent. “Hussein is one of the most outstanding players at both the Babylon and Iraq levels. He has been commended by the central federation and the Iraqi national team’s coach, Iranian Mohammad Motamedi, who described him as the best among his peers in terms of performance and speed,” Al-Tahan said.

“Hussein has remarkable physical strength and agility, which has positioned him as one of Iraq and the world’s top athletes in his field,” he added.