Farshad Gardakaneh – a 30-year-old Kurdish man hailing from Kangavar in Kermanshah Province in Eastern Kurdistan (northwestern Iran) who now lives in Belgium – became the European champion in the 94-kg division at the 2025 European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 20.
“This victory is incredibly significant because the European Championship is held only once a year and brings together the best athletes from all over the world, including those ranked in the top ten globally,” Gardakaneh told Kurdistan Chronicle.
“Although the competition is titled the European Championship, top athletes from around the world participate in it. Therefore, winning it is equivalent to becoming a world champion, as the level and quality of the competition are on par with that of a world championship,” he added.
Gardakaneh said he was introduced to jiu-jitsu after he migrated to Europe. “Before moving to Europe, I was deeply involved in wrestling, where I was very strong and successful. When I arrived in Europe, I discovered jiu-jitsu,” he said. “Since jiu-jitsu is a sport that combines elements of wrestling and judo, I was able to learn and progress in it very quickly due to my wrestling background. I found this sport fascinating and challenging, which made it even more appealing to me.”
Inspiring Kurdish youth
Gardakaneh hopes to inspire Kurdish youth through his achievements in sports. “Many of them might believe that being Kurdish limits their potential to reach the highest levels of success in sports. They might think it’s impossible to become a world champion, a European champion, or even a national champion.
“I want to change this mindset and show them that a Kurd can achieve greatness on the international stage. I want Kurdish youth to realize that this path is achievable and that we, too, can reach the highest levels of success. My ultimate aim is to boost their confidence and make them believe that limitations only exist in their minds,” he said.
Gardakaneh is now hoping to maintain and build upon his success by continuing to win championships consistently.
“I aim to replicate these achievements and reach even greater heights on the international stage. Two of my main goals are to participate in the World Championship in the United States and to compete once again in the next European Championship, which will take place in Rome,” he said.
He added that his participation in future championships depends largely on securing sponsorships. “In the short term, my primary goal is to compete in the Professional Championship in Barcelona, which is set to take place in a few months. This competition brings together Europe’s top professionals, and I have already begun my training to prepare for the upcoming season.”
Wladimir van Wilgenburg is a seasoned reporter and analyst who specializes in Kurdish affairs, and holds a Master’s degree in Kurdish studies from Exeter University, UK.
