Leila Mohammed becomes first Kurdish woman appointed to Iraqi Olympic Committee

Shafaq News/ The Iraqi Olympic Committee (IOC), which oversees national sports federations and activities, has appointed Leila Mohammed as an executive member, making her the first Kurdish woman to hold the position.

Diyar Mohammed Sadiq, head of the IOC’s al-Sulaymaniyah branch, described Mohammed’s election as an important step for women in sports leadership.

“On behalf of myself and all members of the al-Sulaymaniyah branch, we congratulate Leila Mohammed on her election to the Executive Committee of the Iraqi Olympic Committee,” Sadiq told Shafaq News. “This represents progress for sports governance in Kurdistan, particularly in al-Sulaymaniyah.”

In addition to her role on the Executive Committee, Mohammed was elected Chairwoman of the Gender Equality Committee, where she will focus on promoting women’s participation in sports.

Sadiq highlighted her contributions to sports development in al-Sulaymaniyah and the Kurdistan region, expressing confidence in her ability to strengthen women’s representation in athletics at both the national and international levels.