Baghdad – IA
The Iraqi national team achieved second place in teams at the conclusion of the West Asian Squash Championship.
The Olympic Committee media stated in a statement received by the (INA), that “the West Asian Squash Championship competitions were concluded today, Sunday, which was hosted by the Grand Millennium Hotel Sulaymaniyah hall and supervised by the West Asian and Iraqi Squash Federation under the auspices of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee.”
He added, “Six countries from West Asia participated in the tournament, namely Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, and Palestine. The participating delegations and tournament circles praised the good organization and provision of all requirements for success, and before that the good Iraqi reception and hospitality.”
During the coronation ceremony today, according to the statement, the representative of the President of the Olympic Committee, Harda Raouf, conveyed, according to the statement, “the greetings of the Chairman of the Committee, Aqeel Muften, to all the participants, his wishes for them of success, and his thanks for their contribution to the success of this sporting event hosted by Iraq in the city of Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan,” reminding that “all The cities of Iraq and its people are happy with the presence of friends and brothers among us in all sporting events, and we are pleased to always live up to their good expectations.
The President of the Iraqi Squash Federation, Ali Jihad, also expressed his “thanks to the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their support in holding the tournament in Iraq,” praising “the constant communication and follow-up of the President of the Olympic Committee, Dr. Aqeel Muftin.”
During the special closing ceremony held in honor of the participating teams, medals and cups were distributed to the winning teams.
The Iraqi team achieved second place in teams after Kuwait, which came in first place, while the Iranian team came in third place. Although the Iraqi team won over Kuwait with a score of (2-1), the loss from the Iranian team kept Iraq away from achieving first place, as it represented… Iraqi national team trio Hassanein Obaid, Muhammad Mustafa and Abdullah Hashim.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Squash Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, and thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the recent achievements of the Iraqi national squash team at the West Asian Squash Championship. Joining us is expert in squash and sports management, Dr. Sarah Al-Mansouri. Dr. Al-Mansouri, it’s a pleasure to have you here.
Dr. Al-Mansouri: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here!
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Iraqi national team secured second place at the West Asian Squash Championship. What does this achievement signify for the team and for squash in Iraq?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: This is a significant milestone for the Iraqi national team. Securing second place in a regional tournament involving six countries like Iran, Yemen, and Kuwait shows that Iraq is developing a competitive squash program. It reflects the hard work of the athletes and the support from the Iraqi National Olympic Committee, which fosters the sport in a challenging environment.
Editor: Absolutely. The tournament took place at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Sulaymaniyah. How important is the venue and the organization of such events for developing sports in the region?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: The choice of venue and the level of organization are crucial. A well-organized tournament not only provides a professional environment for the athletes but also boosts local interest in the sport. The positive feedback from participating delegations about the organization indicates that Iraq can host more international events in the future, which could help promote squash locally and regionally.
Editor: Six countries participated in this championship. Was this diversity beneficial for the competition and the athletes?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: Definitely. Competing against teams from different countries allows athletes to experience varied playing styles and strategies, which is invaluable for their growth. It also fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship, further enhancing the spirit of competition. Additionally, regional cooperation in sports often leads to greater support and development opportunities for all involved.
Editor: The Iraqi National Olympic Committee played a vital role in this event. How does the support from such organizations impact sports development at the grassroots level in Iraq?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: The support from the Iraqi National Olympic Committee is essential. It not only provides funding and resources but also helps in talent identification and development programs. When young athletes receive exposure to high-level competitions, they are more likely to pursue their sport seriously. Such initiatives can help build a robust talent pipeline for future international competitions.
Editor: Moving forward, what steps should the Iraqi squash federation take to build on this success and continue developing the sport?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: They should focus on several key areas: first, enhancing grassroots programs to attract more youth to the sport; second, organizing more local and international tournaments to provide continuous competitive opportunities; and third, investing in coaching and training resources. Building partnerships with more experienced squash federations could also facilitate knowledge sharing and help Iraqi athletes reach their potential.
Editor: Inspiring insights, Dr. Al-Mansouri. As we conclude, what message do you have for the young squash players in Iraq who aspire to compete internationally?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: To all the young players out there, work hard, stay dedicated, and believe in your potential. The recent achievements of the Iraqi national team show that with commitment and the right support, success is within reach. Remember that every match is a learning opportunity, so embrace every challenge that comes your way!
Editor: Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. Al-Mansouri. It’s exciting to see the potential of squash in Iraq, and we look forward to following the journey of the national team in future competitions.
Dr. Al-Mansouri: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this with you.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in to this engaging discussion on the rising sport of squash in Iraq. Stay tuned for more updates from Time.news!