Jaber! Please introduce yourself.
I am Jaber Sabri Abdul-Amir, born in 1994 in Kazemein and graduated from high school.
When did you begin to sport?
First, I played football. Then, I became familiar with Zurkhaneh and attracted to it. So, I left football in 2007 and began to exercise Zurkhaneh sports.
How did you hear about Zurkhaneh sportzs?
In 2007 through my friends. Zurkhaneh is the first sporting favorite of mine. At that time, I was just 13 and I was known as the youngest professional athlete in Zurkhaneh sports. Even my coach was surprised by my passion for this.
After this time, it takes me 5 to 6 hours a day to exercise. I attended as the youngest athlete in the Zurkhaneh Sports Championship in South Korea and gained three gold medals. In the Zurkhaneh Sports World Cup in Azerbaijan (2009), I gained two gold and one bronze medals. I was titled as the best athlete in 2010 Championship, and also gained two silver and one bronze medals in Turkey championship.

How many hours a day do you exercise?
Each day at the end of work, I begin to exercise from 16 to 19 PM. This is my daily program.
What is the most important feature of Zurkhaneh sports?
I think the variety of movements and exercises, and the use of music and poetry are among prominent features of Zurkhaneh sports. For me, all features are beautiful and important.
Which is most difficult; team or individual sports?
Individual sport is more difficult, especially when there is serious competition between countries.
What is the most beautiful part of Zurkhaneh sports?
All parts are beautiful. I like and practice all parts of Zurkhaneh sports. To the end of my life, I will continue to exercise Zurkhaneh sports.
How long do you exercise?
To the end of my life, I will continue to exercise Zurkhaneh sports.
What name is Zurkhaneh known as in Iraq?
In Iraq, Zurkhaneh is called "Beit Al-ghoveh". It means a place where bodies become strong, especially for wrestling.
Please tell us about your Zurkhaneh in Kazemein?
The Zurkhaneh is the most beautiful sport in the region of Kazemieh. Its activities occurs with love and respect for the inmate (P). There are 30 athletes. Master Vasim Ali Abdul-Hossein is our coach; he is the best Asian coach of 2009. Fans come to our practice.
The previous building we exercised was destroyed to rebuild a hotel. Now, we exercise in Kazemein's Youth and Sports Club along with other athletes in different sports, till we can find an individual place.
Are there other locations the team can exercise?
Yes. We show our exercises on particular occasions and in the presence of foreign guests in order to introduce Zurkhaneh sports. During the trip of Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, for example, we performed Zurkhaneh exercises and he and their staff were very impressed.
Have you heard about Zurkhaneh history in Iraq? Do you know Iraqi champions?
I always like to know about older athletes in Zurkhaneh sports. Among them, I can name Mahdi Alzano, Abbas Aldik, Sadegh Alsandugh, and Seyyed Mohammad Shabar. I know them. I always ask other athletes about them and try to get more information.
Have you ever exercised in any Iranian Zurkhaneh? If yes, which one?
First time in 2007, I exercised in a Zurkhaneh in Nahavand for seven days. I learnt many lessons from Iranian athletes and that it's my pleasure.
How do the Zurkhaneh Sports Federation of Iraq support athletes and teams?
The Federation does not support us. In Kazemieh, there is no equipped hall. When the IZSF board isited the Zurkhaneh, they were surprised about Iraqi team's achievements, in spite of having no well-suited place.
When and how did you attend first in international Zurkhaneh sports competitions?
In the International Championship at Kish Island (Iran -2008) and then in South Korea (2008), I won three gold medals.
Iraqi national Zurkhaneh sports team reached the first place in the 1st Asian Junior Zurkhaneh Sports Chmapionship in Tajikistan (2011) and you were titled as the Star. How did you get this title?
Yes. My success is the product of efforts of my coaches; Masters Ali Chegini and Vasim. Due to their hard works, I was able to win and also receive the title of best athlete at my first attendance in international Zurkhaneh sports competitions.
How will your future be in Zurkhaneh sports?
In the future, I will continue to exercise. Zurkhaneh is my future. It has given me many beautiful things. My future plan is to travel to all countries as a Zurkhaneh sports coach and teach young people.