Netherlands: Kurdish Refugee Girl Wins First Place in Judo Competition

Welat TV – Erbil 

A Kurdish refugee girl from the city of Derk in Syrian Kurdistan has won first place in a judo competition in the Netherlands. 

Kani Botani won all her matches to achieve first place in the international children’s judo tournament, which featured 1,000 participants across 140 teams from nine European countries.

She won her first match against a German player, the second against a French player, and the third against an Italian.

In an interview with Welat TV on Wednesday 21 May 2025, Kani said, "I am fourteen years old and have been practicing judo for three years". 

“At first, I didn’t like this sport, so I stopped practicing it for a while. My desire to make my homeland and family proud motivated me to start again. I came back stronger and succeeded, “she added. 

Kani noted that she was the only Kurdish player participating in the tournament, which included competitors from various countries and nationalities. 

She said: “Thanks to my family’s support, I was able to achieve this. I aim to reach even higher ranks and raise the name of my homeland, Kurdistan, even further.”

Kani Botani’s family sought asylum in the Netherlands due to the war, and although she grew up there, she speaks Kurdish fluently.