Kurdish Athlete Makes History with Top Taekwondo Rank
Kurdish Taekwondo athlete Hemin Mehdi Qadir becomes the first in Iraq to earn a 7th Dan black belt from Kukkiwon. A decorated world champion and judge, he has pledged to use his new rank to serve the sport in Kurdistan and Iraq.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In a landmark achievement for sports in the region, Kurdish pro Taekwondo athlete and coach Hemin Mehdi Qadir has attained the prestigious 7th Dan black belt, becoming the first person in the history of both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to reach this elite rank and solidifying his status as a world-class martial artist.
The celebrated athlete, whose career is already decorated with numerous world championships and international honors, has pledged to use this historic promotion to further develop the sport and inspire a new generation of practitioners across the country.
On Monday, July 21, 2025, Qadir confirmed the historic promotion to Kurdistan24's reporter Lavin Omer, expressing his pride in the accomplishment not just for himself, but for his homeland.
"I am the first person in Iraq and Kurdistan to be promoted by the World Taekwondo Headquarters (Kukkiwon) from a 6th Dan black belt to a 7th Dan black belt," he stated. "This is a great and historic achievement for Kurdistan and Iraq."
Adding to the distinction of the rank, Qadir noted the personal recognition he received from the sport’s highest governing body. "I was awarded a belt bearing the signature of Lee Dong-sup, the President of the World Taekwondo Headquarters," he explained. "This belt is only awarded to prominent figures."
With this new, elevated status, Qadir expressed a profound sense of duty to the martial arts community that has supported him. "I will use this rank to serve the sport of Taekwondo in Kurdistan and Iraq," he affirmed. "I hope to be worthy of this rank and to be able to serve. My thanks go to all Taekwondo practitioners in Kurdistan and Iraq."
Qadir’s new rank is built on a foundation of consistent international success and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He pointed to a remarkable record of competitive achievements, including winning first place in the world in 2017, securing both first in the world and first in Asia in 2019, and winning first place in the United States in 2020. After earning second place in the world in 2023, he returned to the pinnacle of the sport, winning first place in the world twice again in 2024.
Beyond his competitive prowess, Qadir has also established himself as a respected international authority in the sport, accumulating a host of high-level certifications and roles. His journey as a master and official includes:
- Obtaining a master's certificate from the World Taekwondo Academy in Korea in 2015.
- Earning an international referee certificate in Tunisia in 2019.
- Being appointed as an expert for international black belt testing at the World Taekwondo Headquarters in 2021.
- Receiving an international judge certificate from the Taekwondo Academy in Korea in 2022.
- Obtaining another international referee certificate in the United States in 2023.
His achievements in 2024 have been particularly noteworthy. This year alone, he obtained a Level 2 Master's certificate and a Level 2 Judge certificate and was selected as one of the top 10 judges in the world.
His global contributions have been recognized with several distinguished honors in 2024, including receiving a membership certificate from the World Traditional Taekwondo Union, the 'World Personality' honor in Korea, and a commendation award as a 'World Personality' in Great Britain, cementing his legacy as a true ambassador for his sport and his nation.
Kurdistan24's News Writer Lavin Omer contributed to this report.
