Baghdad, Iraq, December 29, 2022 – Mitra Shabanian took over as the national women’s team head coach of Iraq following her agreement with the Iraq Volleyball Federation.
Shabanian, the previous head coach of the national team of Iran in different age categories, has many experiences participating in the Asian Championship with the Iran team. In 2022, she finished 7th with the Iranian youth team in the Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
As senior Iraqi officials arrived in Iran earlier this year, Mr Alaa Khalaf, head coach of the men’s national team, visited some Iranian coaches to look for a new insight from Iran volleyball into Iraq volleyball.
Following his suggestion, IVF President Mr Jamil Al-Abadi and his Deputy, Dr Azad along with his executive manager Mr. Ahmed Abdul Karim finalised the contract and Shabanian’s role as new head coach of Iraq women’s national team will take effect in 2023 with a term of one year.
The national women’s team of Iraq had recently participated in the West Asian Championship in Amman, Jordan where they finished a well-earned fourth place.
Mr Jamil said, “Our goal is to elevate and raise the capabilities of our women’s team in Asian and zonal events. The Islamic Republic of Iran Volleyball Federation as the powerhouse of Asia has many talents and we are using this chance to upgrade our volleyball by using the experienced members. I will provide the head coach with the entire facilities for her better successful career”.
Mr Alaa Khalaf, himself the seven-time winner of the Super League with South Gas Sports Club, had also credited Iran volleyball for their high contribution to developing countries like Iraq.
Mr Ahmed Abdul Aziz said “Our new women’s head coach would prepare our team firstly for the West Asian Championship and then the Asian Championship later next year. Her plans are along with our targets and I hope we can uplift our women’s volleyball with the help of this experienced Iranian coach.”
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