Iraq is known for its rich wrestling history and culture, which dates back to ancient times. Throughout the years, Iraq has produced some of the world’s best wrestlers, from Olympic medalists to world champions.
We will take a look at some of the greatest wrestlers Iraq has ever produced, and explore their impressive careers.
From world champions to Olympic medalists, these athletes have been incredibly successful in their respective disciplines and have made a lasting impact in the world of wrestling. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best wrestlers that Iraq has to offer.
1. Mohammed Jabouri
Mohammed Abdul-Sattar Jabouri is a talented Iraqi wrestler who had the opportunity to showcase his skills on the world stage at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
He competed in the men’s freestyle 82 kg division, where he faced off against some of the top wrestling talents from around the world. His participation in the Olympics was a great accomplishment, as it was a chance to represent his country and demonstrate his skill to the world.
Jabouri has been training in wrestling since he was a young boy, and his participation in the Olympics was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
He dedicated himself to perfecting his technique and developing his strength, and his commitment to the sport paid off. He was able to compete at the highest level and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
Jabouri’s involvement in the Olympics was a great honor, and he will always be remembered as an inspiring athlete who represented his country with pride.
He showed others that anything is possible with hard work and dedication, and he serves as an example of what can be achieved when you put your mind to it.
2. Hazim Abdulridha
Hazim Abdulrasool Abdulridha is an Iraqi wrestler who has had a long and successful career. He first started wrestling when he was a teenager and quickly rose to the top of the Iraqi wrestling scene.
He went on to compete in the 1980 Summer Olympics, where he represented Iraq in Greco-Roman wrestling. His performance in the Olympics was impressive, as he earned a bronze medal in the heavyweight division.
This was a great accomplishment for him, as well as for the country of Iraq. Since then, Hazim has gone on to become a coach for the Iraqi national wrestling team and has helped many young wrestlers from Iraq reach their goals.
His dedication and commitment to the sport have enabled him to continue to make a positive impact on the world of wrestling.
3. Marwan Suhail Abood
Marwan Suhail Abood is an Iraqi wrestler who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics. He is an important figure in Iraqi sports history and is highly respected by the Iraqi people. Abood was born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1963 and began competing in wrestling in 1981.
He quickly rose to prominence in the sport, becoming the national champion in 1983 and the Arab champion in 1984. Abood went on to represent Iraq in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
He was the only Iraqi athlete to qualify for the games that year, and he competed in the men’s freestyle featherweight division. Although he was not successful in his Olympic quest, Abood’s performance was highly praised by the Iraqi people.
After the Olympics, he continued to compete in local and regional wrestling tournaments. Abood’s success at the 1984 Summer Olympics earned him a great deal of recognition in Iraq. He was honored with a medal by the Iraqi government and he was also awarded the Order of Merit.
In addition, he was appointed the head coach of Iraq’s Olympic wrestling team in 1988. Marwan Suhail Abood is an important figure in Iraqi sports history and he is remembered fondly by the people of Iraq.
His participation in the 1984 Summer Olympics was a major achievement and it is an example of the strength and courage of Iraqi athletes.
4. Karim Salman Muhsin
Karim Salman Muhsin is an Iraqi wrestler who made his mark on the international stage during the 1980 Summer Olympics. He was one of the few athletes representing Iraq in the international competition.
He competed in the men’s freestyle 57 kg event, which is a weight class for wrestlers between 125 and 132 pounds. Muhsin had to face tough opponents in the competition, including wrestlers from the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Bulgaria.
Despite the challenging competition, Muhsin managed to put up a formidable fight. He not only represented Iraq but also made the nation proud by putting up a strong performance.
His determination and hard work paid off when he finished in the top five, a remarkable feat for a wrestler from Iraq. Muhsin’s success at the 1980 Summer Olympics was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of wrestling.
5. Ismail Al-Karaghouli
Ismail Al-Karaghouli is an Iraqi athlete who is best known for his wrestling career. He was born and raised in Iraq and has been a wrestler since his youth. At the 1968 Summer Olympics, he competed in two events, representing his country.
He participated in the men’s freestyle bantamweight and men’s freestyle featherweight categories. During the competition, Ismail displayed strength, agility, and skill. He gave a strong performance and received positive reviews from the judges and spectators alike.
Unfortunately, he did not make it past the qualifying rounds and was eliminated from the tournament. Despite this, Ismail Al-Karaghouli’s achievement of competing in the Olympics is a testament to his dedication to the sport.
He has since retired from professional wrestling and is now a coach to aspiring athletes in his country.
Ismail Al-Karaghouli is an inspiration to all those who take part in the sport and serves as a reminder of the remarkable accomplishments that can be achieved through hard work and determination.
6. Ahmed Lutfi Shihad
Ahmed Lutfi Shihad is an Iraqi wrestler who made a name for himself by competing in the men’s Greco-Roman 74 kg division at the 1980 Summer Olympics. He was the only Iraqi wrestler to compete in this category and represented his country with great pride.
Ahmed had a successful career in wrestling prior to the Olympics, winning several regional championships and becoming a national champion in his home country.
His performance at the Olympics won him widespread respect and admiration, with his strong technique, physical strength and determination earning him a place in many people’s hearts.
Ahmed is a symbol of courage and determination for many in Iraq and is seen as a role model by many aspiring wrestlers. He continues to be an inspiration for many athletes in Iraq and across the world, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of many.
7. Abdul-Rahman Breesam Mohammed
Abdul-Rahman Breesam Mohammed is an Iraqi wrestler who was fortunate enough to have represented his country at two Summer Olympics. He competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, and the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
He is also known by the alternate names of Abdul Rahman Mohammed and Abdul Breesam Rahman. Born in Iraq, Abdul-Rahman Breesam Mohammed began his wrestling career at an early age.
He trained hard and eventually earned a spot on the Iraqi Olympic team, where he was able to showcase his considerable talent on an international stage.
At the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Abdul-Rahman Breesam Mohammed competed in the men’s freestyle wrestling event and managed to reach the quarterfinals. He was then eliminated from the competition in the quarterfinals.
At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Abdul-Rahman Breesam Mohammed once again competed in the men’s freestyle wrestling event. In the first round, he was up against American wrestler, Jeff Blatnick, and lost the match.
Despite the loss, Abdul-Rahman Breesam Mohammed was still able to make a significant impact on the competition, and he was widely praised for his efforts.
Abdul-Rahman Breesam Mohammed is a true Olympic hero for Iraq, and his accomplishments in the Summer Olympics have been an inspiration to many.
He is a great example of what dedication, hard work, and determination can achieve, and he is a shining example of what can be accomplished when one sets their sights high.
8. Mohammed Qassim Jabbar
Mohammed Qassim Jabbar is an Iraqi wrestler who had the honor of representing his country at the 1980 Summer Olympics. He competed in the men’s freestyle 48 kg category, showcasing his talents on the world’s biggest stage.
It was a remarkable achievement for the young athlete and a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport of wrestling. Jabbar was born and raised in Iraq and took up wrestling at a young age.
He quickly showed promise, and soon was competing in local and regional tournaments. As his skill set and reputation grew, so did his dreams of competing at the Olympics.
He worked hard to make that dream a reality, and in 1980, he was chosen to represent his country in the 48 kg freestyle category. At the Olympics, Jabbar performed admirably, although he did not reach the podium.
Still, his achievements at the Games were a source of pride for his homeland and a sign of what was possible with hard work. Throughout his career, he was an inspiration to many, and his Olympic appearance was a symbol of his commitment to excellence.
9. Safaa Ali Nema
Safaa Ali Nema is an Iraqi athlete who participated in the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, Russia. He competed in the men’s freestyle 90 kg wrestling event.
Nema was one of only two Iraqi athletes to compete in the Games, and the only one to win a medal, taking bronze in the event. He was the first Iraqi wrestler to win an Olympic medal. Nema’s success came despite the difficult circumstances of the Games.
The 1980 Summer Olympics were conducted against the backdrop of the Cold War, and Iraq was part of the Soviet-led boycott of the event.
Despite the boycott, Nema was determined to compete and was supported by the Iraqi government to do so. Nema’s career after the Olympics is unknown, though he is remembered as a hero in his home country.
He was inducted into the Iraqi Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 for his achievements and is still celebrated as an example of Iraqi excellence and perseverance.
10. Ibrahim Khalil Juma
Ibrahim Khalil Juma is an Iraqi wrestler who has achieved a great deal in his career. He competed in the men’s freestyle 74 kg weight class at the 1980 Summer Olympics, held in Moscow, Russia.
Juma was part of the Iraqi team that traveled to the Games and competed against some of the world’s best wrestlers. Despite the tough competition, Juma was able to make a name for himself and compete successfully.
He was able to make it to the quarterfinals of the event, where he was eventually defeated. His efforts, however, were not in vain, as he was able to represent Iraq with distinction on the world stage.
It was a great achievement for him, and he gained recognition for his country in the world of wrestling.
11. Fayadh Minati
Fayadh Minati is an Iraqi wrestler who has enjoyed a successful career in the sport. He has been competing since the 1980s and has competed at various international events. In 1988, Minati represented Iraq in the Summer Olympics in the men’s freestyle 52 kg category.
This was a significant achievement for the athlete and his country as he was one of the first Iraqi wrestlers to compete in the Olympics.
It was a memorable moment for Minati and for Iraq as he was able to represent his home country in the world’s most prestigious sporting event. Unfortunately, he was unable to reach the podium in the Olympics, but his participation was still a great achievement.
Minati has continued to compete in numerous tournaments and has won several medals over the years. He is an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers in Iraq and around the world, showing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
12. Haitham Jibara
Haitham Jibara is an Iraqi wrestler who had the opportunity to compete in the men’s freestyle 74 kg event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. He was one of the many athletes from Iraq who participated in the event that year.
He was an experienced wrestler and had competed in several tournaments prior to the Olympics. He had also trained extensively for the event and was confident of his performance.
During the tournament, Haitham Jibara showcased his skills and abilities in the men’s freestyle 74 kg event. He fought hard against his opponents and managed to make it to the final round.
Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough to bring him the gold medal as he was defeated by the eventual winner of the event. However, his participation in the Olympics was a great achievement for him and Iraq and was a testament to his hard work and determination.
13. Ghazi Salah
Ghazi Faisal Salah is an Iraqi wrestler who had the opportunity to compete in the 1988 Summer Olympics. He was a participant in the men’s Greco-Roman 57 kg division.
This division focuses on Greco-Roman wrestling, which is a style of wrestling that relies heavily on upper-body strength and control. This style of wrestling is almost solely based on holds and throws, as strikes, head butts and choking are not allowed.
Salah was one of many athletes from Iraq who got the chance to compete in the Olympic Games that summer. He was out to prove that Iraq had a place in the international sporting arena. He worked hard to prepare himself for the competition and put forth his best effort.
He showed his commitment to the sport and his country and did his best to make Iraq proud. Unfortunately, Salah was unable to place in the top bracket, however, his commitment and hard work will always be remembered.
14. Mohammed Moustafa Mahmoud
Mohammed Moustafa Mahmoud is an Iraqi wrestler who competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. He participated in the men’s Greco-Roman 68 kg event, which was one of the weight classes at the Games.
Mahmoud was born in Iraq and started training in wrestling when he was young, with the goal of one day competing at the Olympic Games. He worked hard for many years and eventually qualified for the 1980 Summer Olympics in the men’s Greco-Roman 68 kg weight class.
Despite the challenges of competing in a foreign country, Mahmoud was determined to make the most of the opportunity and gave a great performance. He placed 8th in the tournament, an impressive feat for an athlete from Iraq.
Mahmoud’s success is a testament to his dedication and determination and serves as an inspiration to future generations of athletes.
15. Adnan Al-Kaissie
Adnan bin Abdul Kareem Ahmed Alkaissy El Farthie is a former professional wrestler and manager from Iraq. He is better known by his stage names Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissey, Billy White Wolf, and General Adnan.
Adnan had a successful career in professional wrestling, during which he gained a reputation for his athleticism and strong showmanship. He was known to take part in high-flying moves and flashy entrances, and he was an accomplished manager as well.
Adnan was also a pioneer in the world of professional wrestling, introducing the sport to a much wider audience, and helping to create a whole new generation of fans.
Adnan’s career has been an inspiration to many, and he has been credited with helping to shape the modern professional wrestling industry.
16. Aker Al-Obaidi
Aker Al Obaidi is an Iraqi Greco-Roman wrestler who is currently based in Austria. He has had a successful athletic career, and his achievements were recently recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC has selected him to compete for the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. This is a great honor for Aker, as it acknowledges the hard work he has put into his wrestling career.
His selection to the Refugee Olympic Team is also a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of refugees all over the world. It is a testament to the courage of those who have been forced to flee their homes due to war and violence.
Aker’s selection to the Refugee Olympic Team is a symbol of hope for all refugees, and a reminder of how far we can go when we strive for excellence.
17. Ali Nadhim
Ali Nadhim Salman is an Iraqi athlete who competes in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is most known for competing in the Men’s 120kg Greco-Roman event at the 2012 London Olympics.
Unfortunately, he was unable to advance past the qualification round as he was defeated by Bashir Babajanzadeh. Despite this, Ali Nadhim Salman has achieved a great deal of success in Greco-Roman wrestling, including a bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Games.
He has also won several gold medals in the Asian Championships. Ali Nadhim Salman is an inspirational athlete who continues to strive for success and prove himself in the world of Greco-Roman wrestling.
Conclusion
Iraq has had a long and storied history of wrestling, with some of the greatest wrestlers in the world coming from this small Middle Eastern country.
The wrestlers from Iraq have proven to be some of the most skilled and powerful in the world, and their natural talent and hard work has earned them a place among the best wrestlers in the world.
This is a testament to the dedication and skill of the Iraqi wrestlers, and a sign of the nation’s pride in its athletes.
