My Journey as a Champion — Help Me Represent Belgium and Kurdistan on the World Stage

My name is Farshad Gardakaneh. I am a professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling athlete living in Belgium, proud of both my life in Belgium and my Kurdish roots.

I have dedicated years of my life to training, competing, and pursuing my dream of becoming a champion. My achievements include European championship titles and victories in international grappling competitions. I continue to work hard to compete at the highest level of my sport.

In 2026, my goal is to compete in the European Championship in Rome, Italy, and the World Championship in Las Vegas, USA, in the 97.5 kg division.

But I need your help to make this journey possible.

I have worked hard to find sponsors, but unfortunately, promised support did not materialise. I have continued training and searching for solutions, and now I am reaching out to my community, my supporters, fellow athletes, and sports lovers around the world.

Every day, I work as an Uber driver, often for around 12 hours, while training twice a day and sometimes spending more than six hours preparing for competition. I cook my own meals, wash my clothes, clean my home, and manage all my responsibilities myself. I often sleep only five to six hours a night.

I am doing everything I can to finance my dream, but paying for international flights, hotels, transportation, and competition expenses on my own is extremely difficult.

The money raised through this campaign will be used for flights to Rome and Las Vegas, accommodation, local transportation, competition registration, and other essential travel expenses related to these championships.

I believe sport is an international language. It brings people together, teaches discipline and respect, inspires young people, and creates positive change in society.

As a Kurdish athlete living in Belgium, I want to represent Belgium and proudly carry my Kurdish heritage onto the international stage. I want to inspire young people to believe in themselves, work hard, and never give up, even when the road is difficult.

I am not asking you to do the work for me. I am asking for your support to help me reach the competitions for which I am training every day.

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. If you cannot donate, sharing my campaign with friends, family, and fellow sports lovers would mean a great deal to me.

Thank you to everyone who believes in me, supports my journey, and believes in the power of sport.

Together, we can help me reach Rome, compete in Las Vegas, and fight for more championship titles.

With respect and gratitude,

Farshad Gardakaneh

Professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Grappling Athlete

Representing Belgium and proudly carrying my Kurdish roots.