Kurdish martial artist Hakar Gardi, 27, from Erbil, has made history by becoming the first Kurdish fighter to win at the World Kickboxing Network Malaysia National Championships, held on October 25, 2025, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

But behind his victory lies a story of hardship.

“I came here alone, with no money and nothing to eat,” Hakar told Kurdistan Chronicle. “Only one Malaysian friend helped me and bought food for me. If he didn’t help, maybe I would have slept on the street.”

Just four days before the fight, Hakar was working long hours as an electrician and painter to afford food and a place to stay. While most fighters rest before a match, he had no choice but to keep working – even on the day of the official weight check, he said.

“On the day of the weigh-in, I worked from early morning until 6:30 pm and my weight check was at 8:30 pm,” he recalled. “But I told myself: Hakar, keep going, no stopping – you must win this championship.” 

His determination paid off – Gardi knocked out his opponent in the second round, securing the championship belt. 

“I only ate once on the day of my fight, but I did it – and I won. Because I’m Kurdish, and I’m a fighter.

“In the second round, I knocked [my opponent] out and won. I am proud to be the first Kurd to raise the sacred Kurdistan flag in Johor Bahru,” Gardi told Kurdistan Chronicle. “The Kurdistan flag is my trust, and I must keep it high.”

Read More: From Erbil to Glory

During the fight, Gardi wore a shirt bearing the image of the Kurdish revolutionary leader Mustafa Barzani.

“I wear the image of Mustafa Barzani, the father of the Kurdish nation, on my uniform because I am proud of his legacy. He fought for our people and our land. We must continue to serve our country and our nation.”

Gardi started his career in fighting sports in 2009 when he first stepped onto the taekwondo mat. 

“My next goal is to return to Thailand to further develop my skills, take part in bigger and more competitive tournaments, and eventually sign with ONE Championship.”