Baghdad – INA – Amna Al-Salami
The President of the Iraqi Federation of Bow and Arrow and the Secretary-General of the Arab Federation, Saad Mahmoud Ahmed, confirmed that the recent participation in the west Asian Championship resulted in obtaining (11) various colored medals, including (3) gold, (6) silver, and (2) bronze, indicating that the Federation’s elections The Arab League will be held soon with the participation of (22) countries.
Ahmed said in a statement to the (INA): “The financial support provided by the Prime Minister,the Ministry of Youth,and the Olympic Committee gave grate motivation to provide better levels,and the organization of the Asian Championship in Baghdad last February,with the participation of (22) countries,is only evidence of that.” .
He added, “The player Fatima Saad won the gold medal in the compound bow event, and the player Rand Saad also won a gold medal and another silver medal in the team convex bow event, and the men’s teams won the championship gold.”
He explained, ”The state is currently working on establishing specialized centers for the game after we were suffering from it, which hinders the advancement of the game, in addition to building headquarters for the relevant federations, indicating that the federation is suffering from the issue of providing equipment for the game, as it is very expensive.”
What role does government support play in the growth of archery in Iraq as discussed by Saad Mahmoud Ahmed?
Interview with Saad Mahmoud Ahmed: Advancements in Archery and the Future of the Sport in Iraq
Time.news Editor: Welcome,Saad Mahmoud Ahmed,President of the Iraqi Federation of Bow and Arrow and Secretary-General of the Arab Federation. It’s a pleasure to discuss your insights following the recent West Asian Championship. First off, congratulations on the impressive haul of 11 medals! Can you elaborate on the significance of this achievement for Iraqi archery?
Saad Mahmoud Ahmed: Thank you for having me! The recent success at the West Asian championship is a monumental achievement for Iraqi archery. Securing 11 medals, including three golds, speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of our athletes. It not only raises the profile of archery in Iraq but also inspires a new generation of archers. This success sets a strong precedent ahead of the upcoming Arab League Federation elections, where we expect participation from 22 countries.
Time.news Editor: The financial support from the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Youth, and the Olympic Committee seems crucial. How has this support impacted the growth and development of archery in Iraq?
Saad Mahmoud Ahmed: Absolutely! The backing from government officials has been pivotal. It motivates us to enhance training programs and to host more competitions. For instance, organizing the Asian Championship in Baghdad last February demonstrated our capacity and ambition while fostering international relations through sports. Such financial commitments enable us to elevate the sport’s standards substantially.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned specific achievements by athletes like Fatima Saad and Rand Saad. How meaningful are individual successes in promoting the sport as a whole?
Saad Mahmoud Ahmed: Individual successes are crucial. When athletes like Fatima and Rand excel, they not only elevate personal profiles but also shine a spotlight on the sport itself. Their achievements can attract sponsorships and more youth to participate in archery. Moreover, they become role models, inspiring others to take up the sport, which is vital for its growth in Iraq.
Time.news Editor: It’s heartening to hear about future projects,such as establishing specialized centers for archery training. What are the expected benefits of these initiatives?
Saad Mahmoud Ahmed: The establishment of specialized centers is a game-changer. It addresses the previous challenges we faced in developing skills and expanding talent pools. These centers will provide structured training programs, access to proper coaching, and equipment. By building infrastructure, we ensure that future athletes have the resources to excel, which is crucial for competing on international stages.
Time.news editor: You mentioned challenges with providing equipment due to costs. What advice can you share regarding overcoming this hurdle?
Saad Mahmoud Ahmed: This is indeed a significant challenge.My advice would be to explore partnerships with sports brands and organizations that focus on community engagement. We shoudl also consider innovative funding solutions, such as crowdfunding or securing grants aimed at promoting sports. Additionally, engaging sponsors who see the potential in growing the sport can significantly alleviate financial barriers.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, what are your hopes for the future of archery in Iraq and beyond?
Saad Mahmoud Ahmed: I am optimistic about archery’s future in Iraq.With ongoing initiatives for better training and the support we’re receiving, our athletes can achieve greater heights. My goal is to secure a consistent presence on the international stage, not only through medals but by fostering a vibrant archery community in Iraq. Hopefully, we will inspire other nations in the arab region to invest in the sport as well.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Saad. It’s inspiring to see such dedication to archery in Iraq,and we look forward to following its progress.
Saad Mahmoud Ahmed: Thank you for having me! I appreciate your support in raising awareness about archery in Iraq.