The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced that Iraq secured first place at the World University Weightlifting Championship, winning three gold medals and breaking a record in the over-116 kg category.

Director of the Scientific Supervision and Evaluation Apparatus, Prof. Dr. Salah Al-Fatlawi and President of the Iraqi University Sports Federation stated that this achievement reflects the high standard reached by university sports in Iraq.

Prof. Dr. Salah Al-Fatlawi commended the efforts of the athlete, the coaching staff, and the Iraqi delegation in their participation and success.

For his part, the head of the delegation, Mr. Ahmed Abdul-Jabbar said that securing first place and breaking the record were the result of thorough technical and athletic preparation and this outcome demonstrates the ability of Iraqi students to compete and achieve top rankings in international championships.

For his part, the national team coach, Mr. Mustafa Saleh Mahdi explained that preparations involved a continuous training program that helped the athlete reach the required performance level, as well as reviewing that the results reflect the progress being made in university-level weightlifting in Iraq.

Media and Government Communication Directorate 

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

September 13, 2026