President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid stressed the importance of continuing to support Iraqi sports and athletes and developing them at all levels. A presidential statement stated: "President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid received, today, Thursday, at al-Salam Palace in Baghdad, athletes who won various medals and advanced positions in the Paralympic Games in Paris, in the presence of Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmed Al-Mubarqa, Chairman of the Iraqi Olympic Committee Aqeel Muftan, and Chairman of the Paralympic Committee Aqeel Hamid Awda." At the beginning of the meeting, the President of the Republic welcomed the champion athletes, and congratulated them on the great achievements they made in the Paralympic Games, and raised the name of Iraq high in international sports forums, to become a source of pride for all Iraqis. The President stressed: "The champion athletes presented the most wonderful images of courage and challenge in various circumstances," noting that the champion Najla Imad directed a big blow to terrorism when she challenged her circumstances to win the gold medal, reflecting the determination and courage of Iraqi women, along with other champions who achieved distinguished results that brought joy to the hearts of Iraqis." President Rashid honored the champion athletes, appreciating the efforts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Olympic Committee, the Paralympic Committee, the training cadres, and everyone who contributed to achieving these great results, stressing the importance of continuing to support and develop Iraqi sports and athletes at all levels. For their part, the members of the delegation reviewed to the President of the Republic the progress of the sports aspects in the country and the plans set to develop and advance them, and appreciated his interest, support, and follow-up of Iraqi athletes in this regard. Source: National Iraqi News Agency