Iraqi boxers return from Iran championship with medals and momentum

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s national boxing team received an official welcome at Baghdad International Airport after returning from Iran, where they secured two gold medals and one silver at the Fajr International Boxing Championship.

In a statement, the Iraqi Olympic Committee said the team’s performance marked one of its most prominent recent international appearances.

“The Iraqi boxing delegation was officially received at Baghdad International Airport after returning from Iran, where they achieved an outstanding result by winning three medals — two gold and one silver,” the committee said.

Dr. Zaidon Jawad, a member of the committee’s executive office, led the reception and conveyed congratulations from Committee President Dr. Aqeel Muften and other members. He praised the athletes’ achievements as a reflection of the sport’s development and affirmed the committee’s support for upcoming events, including the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Ali Taklif, president of the Iraqi Boxing Federation, expressed pride in the team’s performance.

“Winning three medals in a tournament that featured elite international boxers proves Iraq has a strong foundation in this sport,” Taklif said. “The continued support from the Olympic Committee played a key role in this success. I’m optimistic about the future of Iraqi boxing.”

Five boxers represented Iraq at the tournament. Mohammad Sattar won gold in the 60-kilogram division after a hard-fought bout against a Turkish opponent. Ali Qasim Hamdan claimed gold in the 65-kilogram category with a technical knockout over an Iranian fighter. Rising talent Abdul Hakim Kazem secured silver in the 91-kilogram division after withdrawing from the final due to injury in a match against one of Europe’s top-ranked boxers.