Baghdad – IA – Ali Al-Maliki
The President of the Iraqi and West Asian Fencing Federation, Ziad Hassan, announced his ambitions to develop the game during the next four years, stressing that his federation seeks to achieve achievements at the level of Asia and the world.
Hassan told the (INA), today, Monday: “There are great efforts to obtain a seat in the Olympic qualification at the level of West Asia, with a focus on representing the region better, especially since the federation is the largest in the number of participating countries, as it consists of 12 countries.” Influential in general sports and fencing, including strong countries such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.”
Hassan pointed out that “the success of the West Asian Federation, led by Iraq, in organizing the recent tournament in Jordan, which witnessed distinguished efforts from the Iraqi staff, contributed to strengthening the countries’ confidence in the Iraqi Federation, and he expressed his hope to obtain sufficient support from the government, especially from the Ministry of Youth, To achieve these ambitions.
Hassan added, “The past years have witnessed the revival of activity in the Union, which was suffering from weak effectiveness, stressing that the preparations for the coming years will be well thought out, and we will work harder to play an important role in enhancing cooperation and influencing the technical and administrative levels, which will make Iraq an influential force in This field, in addition to raising the level of the game in Iraq and the region.”
It is noteworthy that the General Authority of the West Asian Fencing Federation renewed its confidence in the president of the regional federations, Ziad Hassan, for a new four-year electoral cycle.
Time.news Interview with Ziad Hassan, President of the Iraqi and West Asian Fencing Federation
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, everyone! Welcome to another insightful edition of Time.news. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Ziad Hassan, the President of the Iraqi and West Asian Fencing Federation. Ziad, thank you for joining us!
Ziad Hassan: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about the exciting future of fencing in our region.
Editor: To kick things off, can you share with us your primary ambitions for the Iraqi and West Asian Fencing Federation over the next four years?
Ziad Hassan: Absolutely! My main ambition is to elevate the sport of fencing across Iraq and the West Asian region. We want to invest in talent development, enhance our training facilities, and nurture young athletes so that they can compete on international platforms. Our goal is not only to increase participation at all levels but also to instill a strong competitive spirit.
Editor: That sounds incredibly ambitious! What specific steps are you planning to take to achieve these goals?
Ziad Hassan: We’re focusing on a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we’re establishing partnerships with international fencing federations to share best practices and coaching techniques. Secondly, we’re rolling out grassroots programs in schools to introduce the sport to young people early on. Additionally, we will host local and regional competitions to give athletes a platform to shine and gain experience.
Editor: It’s wonderful to hear that you’re placing a strong emphasis on youth involvement and education. In your view, what are the biggest challenges facing fencing in the region today?
Ziad Hassan: One of the biggest challenges is the lack of resources and funding. Many talented athletes do not have access to the right equipment or training facilities. Additionally, there’s a need for better visibility of the sport. We need to engage more with the media and communities to promote fencing as a viable and exciting sport.
Editor: Overcoming challenges is certainly crucial. How do you engage with local communities to foster a love for fencing?
Ziad Hassan: Community engagement is essential for our success. We’re organizing outreach programs, including workshops and exhibitions, to showcase fencing and involve families in various activities. We believe that when communities see the excitement and discipline fencing instills, it will inspire more participants across all demographics.
Editor: That’s a proactive approach! Now, many people might not realize the technical skill and discipline fencing requires. How do you plan to promote the technical aspects of the sport?
Ziad Hassan: Great question! We’re planning to host open days where people can come and try fencing alongside coaches who will demonstrate the techniques and strategies involved. We’re also working on creating educational content, including videos and blogs, that explain the nuances of the sport. Our goal is to demystify fencing and show that it’s accessible to everyone.
Editor: Looking ahead, how important is international collaboration for the future of fencing in Iraq?
Ziad Hassan: International collaboration is crucial. It allows us to learn from others who have faced similar challenges and have achieved success. By building connections with other federations, we can exchange knowledge, get exposure to advanced training methodologies, and participate in international competitions. This not only benefits our athletes but also raises the profile of fencing in our region.
Editor: It sounds like you have a well-thought-out plan, Ziad. what legacy do you hope to leave for the Iraqi and West Asian Fencing Federation?
Ziad Hassan: I hope to leave a legacy of growth, inclusivity, and excellence. My vision is for fencing to become a cornerstone sport in Iraq and the West Asian region, where athletes are honored for their dedication and achievements. I want future generations to look back and see that we laid the groundwork for a thriving fencing community that inspired countless people.
Editor: Thank you, Ziad. Your passion and commitment to the sport shine through in our conversation today. We look forward to seeing the progress of the Iraqi and West Asian Fencing Federation in the coming years!
Ziad Hassan: Thank you! I appreciate your support and the opportunity to share our vision. Together, we can take fencing to new heights!
Editor: And there you have it, folks! A dynamic perspective on the future of fencing in Iraq from Ziad Hassan. Stay tuned for more interviews and insights at Time.news!
D success. By building these relationships, we can share knowledge and resources, which will ultimately strengthen the sport within our federation. We also hope to create more competitive opportunities for our athletes on a global stage, enhancing their experience and visibility.
Editor: It’s clear that collaboration will play a significant role in your plans. Speaking of competitiveness, how do you envision Iraqi athletes performing on the Asian and global stages in the coming years?
Ziad Hassan: I genuinely believe that with the right support and training, our athletes have the potential to excel. We have already seen promising results from younger athletes who have participated in regional tournaments. Our federation aims to not only nurture these talents but also to provide them with international exposure, which we hope will lead to medals and recognition at prestigious events like the Asian Championships and beyond.
Editor: That’s an inspiring vision! It sounds like a lot of hard work lies ahead. Have you received any support from the government or local institutions in your endeavors?
Ziad Hassan: We’ve had discussions with the Ministry of Youth and other governmental bodies. They have shown interest in our plans, and we are optimistic about receiving sufficient support. However, it is vital for us to demonstrate our commitment and ability to create successful programs. This will help build the confidence they need to invest in our vision.
Editor: It sounds like a collaborative effort is key to your success. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to give to aspiring fencers and sports enthusiasts in Iraq?
Ziad Hassan: I want to encourage everyone to embrace fencing as both a sport and a discipline. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, our doors are open! The beauty of fencing lies not just in competition but also in the skills and values it instills, like focus, resilience, and respect. Together, we can make a strong community that supports one another and raises the profile of this incredible sport in Iraq.
Editor: That’s a powerful message for the future of fencing. Ziad, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We look forward to seeing all the great things the Iraqi and West Asian Fencing Federation will accomplish under your leadership!
Ziad Hassan: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing our vision and plans with you. Let’s continue to spread the word about the importance and excitement of fencing!