The academic fighter From the halls of basic education to the world stage…

An Iraqi teacher challenges the elite champions of Kyokushin in the fiercest international fighting tournaments
In a remarkable precedent that embodies the convergence of mind and body, Assistant Professor Bahaa Nazim Ali, who teaches at the Faculty of Basic Education at the University of Diyala, is preparing to participate with the Iraqi national team in the World Kyokushin Championship, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the beginning of December, with an unprecedented participation of 40 countries and more than 640 players from among the elite champions of the game around the world.
Assistant Professor Bahaa Nazim Ali is one of the most prominent names in karate – Kyokushin branch, with an impressive record of achievements. He has been crowned champion of Asia, the Arab world, and the Middle East, in addition to being the champion of Iraq for several consecutive years, which has earned him a place as one of the key members of the official Iraqi national team.
This global sporting event will feature fierce battles, in which Assistant Professor Bahaa will face an elite group of world champions in this sport from countries with a long history and tradition in martial arts, such as Japan, Russia, Britain, and Kazakhstan, which are considered major powers in Kyokushin karate. In a sporting challenge that is considered to be of the highest level
In a special statement to the college’s Media and Government Communications Division, Assistant Professor Bahaa Nazim Ali expressed his pride in representing Iraq and the academic community of Diyala University at this global forum, saying:
“This participation does not represent me as an individual, but represents my country, my students, and my academic profession. I am well aware of the magnitude of the challenge and the strength of my competitors, but I believe that determination, discipline, and loyalty to science and my country are the real weapons. I will fight with honor on the mat and respect my opponents, but I will not fear anyone. We are here to prove that the Iraqi mind is not only creative in the classroom, but also in the arena of sporting challenges.”
For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Education, Assistant Professor Dr. Ayman Abdul Aoun, praised this honorable participation, considering it “a model for the integration of academic excellence and athletic success, and proof of what a person can achieve when they combine scientific discipline with mental and physical fitness.”
It is worth noting that this global participation is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-being,” through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and physical activity, as well as Goal 4: “Quality Education,” as the teaching staff sets an example for students by applying the concepts of determination and excellence in multiple fields.