SULAYMANIYAH: Iraq has successfully retained its position at the helm of the West Asian Fencing Federation as Ziad Hassan was re-elected as President for a new four-year term. The electoral process took place in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate, with key figures from the Iraqi National Olympic Committee and representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports in attendance.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the elections also resulted in the appointment of Rashid Shabab Al-Shamali from Kuwait and Sheikh Hussein from Yemen as Vice Presidents. Additionally, board members were elected from a range of countries including Wassim Issa Al-Hassan from Saudi Arabia, Hamad Abdullah Al-Mansouri from the United Arab Emirates, Ahmed Dawood Metwally from Palestine, Basma Al-Sabbagh from Syria, Imad Nahhas from Lebanon, and Fahd Abdullah Al-Mulla from Qatar. Representatives from ten countries-namely Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria-were present at the event.

On t
he sidelines of the election, the Sulaymaniyah Governorate also hosted a meeting of the General Assembly of the West Asian Federation. During this meeting, administrative, technical, and financial reports were unanimously approved. The assembly also reviewed curricula and future plans aimed at developing the sport of fencing within the region, aligning with the priorities and interests of the member states.