The Iraqi national boxing team is starting its journey in the first global qualifiers for the Paris Olympics. Today, Tuesday, Karrar Haidar Ismail will compete against his Italian opponent Salvatore Cavallaro in the 71 kg category. Meanwhile, the draw has placed Ali Qasim Hamdan, who won a bronze medal in the last Asian Games, against the Spanish boxer (Floris Loco) in the 63.5 kg matches. Mohamed Star Saleh will have his first match on Friday in the 57 kg category against the winner of the match between Moroccan boxer Slimani and refugee team representative Farid Wali Zada, who will compete under the Olympic flag.
The Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported that "our team is participating with only three members in the global event after they were carefully selected by the coaching staff, based on their levels and results achieved in recent external competitions. The hopes of those concerned are high for achieving good results and returning to the country with qualifying cards for the Paris Games."
It added that "the global qualifiers are taking place in the city of Busto Arsizio, Italy, from February 29 to March 12, with the participation of 399 male and 233 female boxers from 114 countries. The competition system stipulates that four boxers from each weight category will qualify for the Olympic Games scheduled for next summer."
