Kurdish Taekwondo champion Hemin Mehdi Qadir made history this week. He became the first person in Kurdistan to receive a 7th Dan black belt from Kukkiwon. This milestone represents not only a personal victory but also a major breakthrough for Kurdish martial arts.
Hemin Mehdi Qadir’s remarkable achievement has stirred pride across Kurdistan. He accepted the 7th Dan rank directly from Lee Dong-sup, the President of the World Taekwondo Headquarters. This moment symbolizes the highest recognition a martial artist can receive.
He declared, “This is a great and historic achievement for Kurdistan.” His words reflect a deep commitment to the region’s sporting future. As a world champion and decorated official, Qadir continues to lift Kurdish Taekwondo onto the global stage.
Qadir pledged to use his new title to grow the sport throughout the region. “I will use this rank to serve the sport of Taekwondo in Kurdistan,” he said. “I hope to be worthy of this rank and to be able to serve.”
Serve the sport of Taekwondo in Kurdistan — will define his legacy. He repeated it as a promise and a mission.
Over the years, Qadir has shown exceptional dedication. He won global championships in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024. In 2019, he claimed both the world and Asian titles. His 2024 season was particularly dominant, winning two world titles again.
His reputation goes beyond competition. In 2015, Qadir earned a master’s certificate from the World Taekwondo Academy in Korea. In 2019, he became an international referee in Tunisia. By 2021, he was an expert in black belt testing for the global Taekwondo body.
In 2022, he obtained an international judge certificate in Korea. A year later, he earned another referee certificate in the U.S. This year alone, he added two major titles — Level 2 Master and Level 2 Judge — to his resume.
Qadir was also named one of the top 10 judges in the world in 2024. His influence continues to spread globally.
His recognition extends far beyond tournaments. He received the ‘World Personality’ award in both Korea and the UK in 2024. He also became a member of the World Traditional Taekwondo Union. Each award honors his leadership and sportsmanship.
Through it all, his message remains clear. He will serve the sport of Taekwondo in Kurdistan. That mission echoes with every belt, every certificate, and every victory.
Hemin Mehdi Qadir’s journey shows that Kurdistan’s Taekwondo athletes can reach the highest levels. With discipline, talent, and heart, Qadir has opened a new chapter for Kurdish sport.