Kurdish Athlete Wins European Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Kurdish athlete Farshad Girdkana has achieved a major international milestone by securing the gold medal at the European Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the 94 kg weight category.
Standing atop the podium, Girdkana raised the Kurdistan flag, dedicating his victory to the people of Kurdistan, the families of martyrs, and the cities of Kirkuk, Afrin, and Urmia.

This achievement came during intense competition at the European Championship, which drew top-tier fighters from across the continent and around the globe.

Commenting on the significance of the title, Girdkana noted that the annual tournament features the world’s top 10 ranked athletes, making a victory here equivalent to a world championship title due to the elite level of competition.

Expressing his pride, the Kurdish champion dedicated his success to the families of martyrs who sacrificed for freedom and dignity.

He further dedicated his medal to Kirkuk, Afrin, and Urmia, highlighting their Kurdistani identity and tying his athletic achievements directly to his national heritage.

Girdkana emphasized that his sports mission goes beyond winning titles; he aims to inspire Kurdish youth and shatter the misconception that being Kurdish limits one’s ability to reach the pinnacle of international success.

He stressed that obstacles exist only in the mind and that Kurdish youth are fully capable of becoming European and world champions.

Looking to the future, Girdkana revealed plans to maintain his elite performance as he prepares for the Barcelona Pro Championship and the World Championship in the United States, contingent on securing the necessary sponsorship and financial backing for his rigorous training.

Farshad Girdkana, 30, hails from Kangavar in Kermanshah Province, Eastern Kurdistan (Western Iran), and currently resides in Brussels, Belgium.
His athletic journey began in freestyle wrestling, where he enjoyed a successful career before relocating to Europe and transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Because Jiu-Jitsu blends elements of wrestling and judo, Girdkana’s strong background in wrestling allowed him to excel rapidly in the sport.
Establishing himself as one of Europe’s premier competitors in the 94 kg division, his latest victory further solidifies his standing among the top Kurdish athletes competing internationally.