Hussein Mohammed splits his day between rigorous kickboxing training and working at a local bakery in Nasiriyah. The Iraqi athlete recently won gold in the 54-kilogram category at an international tournament in Thailand, funding his own journey while balancing a full-time job. Photo by 964media
Local kickboxer wins international gold while balancing bakery job and self-funded training
DHI QAR — Before sunrise, Hussein Mohammed is already training for kickboxing. By 7 a.m., he’s working an eight-hour shift at a local bakery. Then at 4 p.m., he’s back in the gym. The demanding routine paid off last month when the 23-year-old won gold for Iraq at a major international kickboxing tournament in Thailand.
Mohammed took first place in the 54-kilogram category, defeating a Cambodian opponent in a competition that featured athletes from 40 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
“The sport of martial arts, kickboxing specifically, didn’t exist in Nasiriyah,” Mohammed told 964media. “We had the opportunity to join the martial arts, and it’s a beautiful, enjoyable, and entertaining sport. Thankfully, we’ve managed to embrace it and achieve a lot.”
Mohammed trains twice daily, first at 5 a.m. before heading to the bakery, and again in the afternoon after work.
“I train hard and put in a lot of effort. I always expected to reach this level,” he said. “I’m capable of winning championships and achieving much more, but only if there’s proper support. Right now, I pay for a private gym membership out of my own pocket.”
He said finances remain the biggest challenge.
“Every tournament I participate in is self-funded. I also pay for my training camps myself. This is a major problem for every ambitious athlete,” he said. “My family is my only source of encouragement. They push me to train, and this sport has changed my personal life.”
“I raised Iraq’s name high on the international stage. I also raised the name of my governorate, Dhi Qar. It’s a win for the entire Iraqi people,” he added.
Mohammed is now preparing for the World Championship for national teams in November and is appealing for more institutional support.
“I don’t need moral support. I need financial attention,” he said. “I ask the authorities to provide us with a government-equipped training hall, just like in other governorates.”
Eyad Jameel Ouda, a member of the Iraqi Kickboxing Federation, praised Mohammed’s performance.
“Captain Hussein Mohammed has strong skills and has passed tough tests,” Ouda said. “His strength lies in solo performance — it’s rare for a player to have such attributes and reach this level.”
“He earned his gold medal through personal effort,” Ouda added. “As a federation, we supported him in small ways — not financially — but with technical knowledge, refereeing, rules, and by including him in the national team and travel.”