Ikhlas Imran: An Ezidi Girl Being the Source of Hope

At just 15 years old, Ikhlas Imran is emerging as one of the most promising young athletes in northern Iraq. Born in Qahtaniyah and raised amid the 2014 genocide, she has built her path through football—leading her team to win the first-ever women’s tournament in her hometown and finishing as the top scorer with four goals.

Football became a central part of her life after her family fled ISIS attacks in 2014 and resettled in Sheikhan. In a space marked by hardship and recovery, Ikhlas found purpose on the pitch. Her talent quickly became clear in local community programs and youth tournaments, where she stood out for her skill, agility, and determination.

Today, she wears number 7 in tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo and dreams of joining Iraq’s national women’s team. She trains regularly and treats the sport with discipline and focus—studying professional matches, practicing goal techniques, and mentoring younger girls in her town.

Her recent win in the Qahtaniyah tournament—organized by UNDP and supported by the Government of Japan—was more than a sports achievement. It marked a shift in what’s possible for young girls in a conservative, post-conflict region where women’s sports are still rare.

Ikhlas is not defined by the trauma of the past but by the goals she scores, the confidence she carries, and the future she’s building for herself and for other Ezidi girls who watch her lead.