Kurdish martial artist Hakar Gardi from Erbil won gold medals at the Asia Pacific Open Championships 2026 (WKA), held in Bali, Indonesia, competing in the K-1 kickboxing style in the 76.1–79 kg weight class from February 24 to 28, 2026.

Fighting under the Kurdistan flag, Gardi says his achievements are part of a historic run in international kickboxing, claiming he is the first Kurdish fighter to compete in Bali.

“I am the first Kurd in history to win first place and a championship belt in Malaysia. I was also the first Kurd in history to win first place in Afghanistan, and I won first place and two gold medals at the Asian Pacific Open Championships in Bali, Indonesia,” Gardi told Kurdistan Chronicle.

“I was the first Kurd to win four tournaments in Thailand. I competed as the first Kurd in those countries, won first place in many others, and raised the Kurdistan flag,” he added.

Gardi boasts an impressive career record of 67 fights, with 49 victories, including 37 knockouts, and 15 championship title belts.

Despite his sporting success, Gardi says he is currently facing serious financial difficulties that are affecting his preparations for upcoming international competitions.

“I only have $30 now. But I have to go on Monday and I need to extend my visa, pay for room rent, food, transportation, prepare for the world’s biggest kickboxing championships, and buy nutritional supplements and supplies, in addition to paying training fees,” he said.

“I don’t know if other players are preparing in the same way or if it’s just the son of a Peshmerga thousands of kilometers away from home whose only dream is to raise the sacred Kurdistan flag.”

He added that he is preparing to compete in a ONE Championship kickboxing event, describing it as one of the biggest tournaments in the world, but questioned how he can properly prepare under current circumstances.

“Six to eight hours of exercise a day and maybe one meal a day if there is one I can eat. There are days when I fast,” he said in separate remarks.

Gardi also spoke about his personal motivation and family background, highlighting his connection to the Peshmerga.

“A picture of General Mustafa Barzani is always on my chest in championships. My grandfather was a Peshmerga of the Great September Revolution. My father is a Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the holy path of Barzani,” he said.

“My grandparents and my father struggled with hunger and hard work so that I and the next generation could live happily ever after. I became a Peshmerga too, but on the rings and stages of world championships,” he added.

Gardi says he hopes his situation reaches the attention of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and appealed for support ahead of his next competitions.

“I don’t know how much these things will be taken seriously, but I hope so. These things should reach Prime Minister Barzani,” he said.

He warned that without support, his situation could become increasingly difficult.

“I may sleep and live on the streets by the end of this month,” he said.

Read More: Kurdish Fighter Win Kickboxing Title in Malaysia

Gardi’s career includes a historic milestone in which he became the first Kurdish fighter to win at the World Kickboxing Network Malaysia National Championships, held on October 25, 2025, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.