2023-11-18T17:46:05+00:00
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Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani received, this Saturday evening, a group of sports champions who won 27 colorful medals in the World Weightlifting Championships in Saudi Arabia, the Asian Games in China, and the Asian Paralympics, according to a statement from Al-Sudani’s office received by Agency.
The statement stated that Al-Sudani “blessed the athletes and training staff for the excellence that raised Iraq’s name high in international sports forums, stressing that their victory is a victory for all Iraqis.”
He said, “The sports sector has been present in the government’s plans and programs since its first day, due to our conviction that there are competencies and talents capable of presenting the image of Iraq through sports, in which all the elements of strength and success are embodied,” stressing that a series of decisions and measures have been taken to support the Olympic Committee, the federations, and every initiative related to sports. As well as helping to solve financial and legal problems and challenges.”
Al-Sudani stated that “the government is serious about supporting sports, and has allocated clear financial support to the Olympic Committee in the three-year budget. We hope to invest it in the right way,” stressing that he stands with any initiative that supports sports in various team and individual games.
He stressed “the necessity of developing plans, goals and programs to achieve Olympic medals, praising, at the same time, the achievements achieved by the champions of the Paralympic Committee in the Asian Games, which are a source of pride and honor.”
The Prime Minister directed the Minister of Youth and Sports and the Prime Minister’s advisors for sports affairs to “prepare a plan that identifies the sites where achievement can be achieved, and make it a goal to work on over a period of two, three or more years, in order to create a champion, stressing that reforming the sector Sports are one of the faces of support, and the private sector can enter into supporting sports, and clubs and federations must overcome obstacles and contribute to the advancement of Iraqi sports,” according to the statement.
Interviewer: Good evening, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Amina Rashid, a leading expert in sports diplomacy and development. Dr. Rashid, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Rashid: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Interviewer: I’d like to start with the recent achievements of Iraq’s athletes. Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani recently hosted sports champions who brought home 27 medals from various international competitions. What does this milestone signify for Iraq, both in a sports and a national context?
Dr. Rashid: This is a significant achievement for Iraq on multiple levels. Firstly, from a sports perspective, it signifies an exceptional display of talent and hard work from the athletes and coaching staff. These medals, particularly in prominent events like the World Weightlifting Championships and the Asian Games, not only boost morale but also inspire future generations to engage in sports. Nationally, it reinforces a sense of pride and unity among Iraqis, especially in times when the country is striving to rebuild its image on the world stage.
Interviewer: Indeed. PM Al-Sudani emphasized that the athletes’ victories are a testament to the government’s support for the sports sector. How important is government involvement in promoting sports development in countries like Iraq?
Dr. Rashid: Government involvement is crucial. When leaders recognize the importance of sports, it can lead to better funding, training facilities, and support systems for athletes. This not only helps to enhance their performance but also promotes sports as a means of social cohesion and national pride. In Iraq’s case, fostering a strong sports culture could serve as a unifying force, helping to heal past divisions and encouraging youth engagement.
Interviewer: You mentioned youth engagement. How can the achievements of these athletes impact the younger generation in Iraq?
Dr. Rashid: Success stories from athletes can be incredibly inspiring for the youth. They serve as role models, showing that dedication and hard work can lead to excellence. Additionally, participating in sports teaches important life skills, such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The government can harness this momentum by implementing programs in schools and communities that encourage sports participation, which ultimately can lead to healthier lifestyles and improved mental well-being among young people.
Interviewer: It sounds like a holistic approach could be quite beneficial. The Prime Minister expressed pride in how these victories elevate Iraq’s stature on international platforms. How do you think this affects Iraq’s international relations, particularly through sports diplomacy?
Dr. Rashid: Sports diplomacy can foster dialogue and build bridges between nations, even those with strained relations. Iraq showcasing its athletic prowess helps to dispel stereotypes and create a positive narrative about the country. It can lead to increased collaborations in various fields such as education and cultural exchange, positioning Iraq as an active participant in the global community. Events like the Asian Games or Paralympics also create opportunities for Iraq to engage with other nations on shared interests and goals.
Interviewer: Fascinating insights, Dr. Rashid. Before we wrap up, what recommendations would you make to the Iraqi government to sustain this momentum in sports?
Dr. Rashid: Sustaining momentum requires a multi-faceted approach: investing in grassroots sports programs, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that athletes have access to quality coaching and support services. It’s also important to promote female participation in sports to ensure inclusivity. Additionally, creating partnerships with international sports organizations can open up more avenues for training and development. By establishing a long-term vision for sports, Iraq can continue to achieve success on the international stage.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rashid. Your expertise sheds light on the multifaceted impacts of sports achievements, especially in the context of national pride and unity. We look forward to seeing how Iraq continues to excel in the sports arena.
Dr. Rashid: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Iraqi sports, and I’m eager to see what the future holds!
Interviewer: That’s a wrap for today’s interview on Time.news. Thank you to our viewers for tuning in, and we’ll see you next time!