JOC REVEALS BLACK IRIS SHORTLISTS

Jordan’s impact on the global sporting stage in 2015 has been highlighted by an incredible list of champions up for the Black Iris Sports Awards, organised by the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC) to recognise the top achievers in sport over the last 12 months.

The year saw Jordan make its mark on the world and Asian level in a number of sports and to reflect the sheer number of champions, some of the shortlists have been increased in number to allow the public to make their decision known.

The shortlists in the five categories were drawn up following a meeting between a number of top media experts and JOC representatives, and they will be put to the public vote over the coming 15 days through the JOC’s Facebook page and www.joc.jo.

The first category for the public to vote on will be Best Sportsman of the Year with the shortlisted pictures to be posted on the JOC’s Facebook page for three days from Wednesday morning.

Black Iris Sports Awards Categories

Best Sportsman

1. Hussein Ishish (Boxing): Bronze at Asian Championships and ranked five in the world
2. Ahmad Abu Goush (Taekwondo): Silvers at Open Kazakhstan Championships and Open Russian Championships
3. Udai Abu Hasswah (Kickboxing): Asian Gold Medallist in India; Gold at Arab Championships; and Silver at World Championships
4. Lawrence Fanous (Triathlon): Ninth at Europe Professionals Championships and pushing for Olympic qualification
5. Malik Al Hariri (Jujitsu): Seven gold, five silver and four bronze in 2015

Best Sportswoman

1. Lama Qubbaj (Jujitsu): Gold in World Jujitsu Championships, Top ranked in Asia and four in the world
2. Lena Mazahreh (Badminton): Silver in International Morocco Championships; Two bronze medals in Egypt Championships for doubles and mixed doubles
3. Sewar Abu Yaman (Table Tennis): Gold at Arab Women’s Cup.

Best Young Achiever (Male), in association with Backaldrin

1. Nabeel Al Shweiki (Karate): Bronze in World U21 Championships; Bronze in Asian Championships
2. Khader Baqleh (Swimming): Two silver, two bronze at Arab Championships; Gold, two silver, two bronze at International Dubai Championships. First Jordanian to make Olympic qualification time (B) in 200m freestyle, three silvers at 8^th Asian Age Championship.
3. Shergo Al Kurdi (Golf): Second at Arab Juniors Championships and holder of a number of titles in the UK where he lives and plays
4. Mohammad Al Goul (Jujitsu): Gold at World Junior Championships
5. Ahmad Al Khateeb (Chess): Gold at Arab Olympic Chess, obtained Grand Master and International Master levels

Best Young Achiever (Female), in association with Peak

1. Aysha Al Sedah (Taekwondo): Silver at World Cadet Championships
2. Taleen Al Humaidi (Taekwondo): Bronze at Asian Juniors Championships, Silver at Kazakhstan Championships
3. Leen Al Btoush (Football): Player-of-the-tournament at the West Asian Championships.
4. Balqees Al Qudah (Fencing): Gold at Arab Championships
5. Domo’ Amro (Badminton): Four golds at International Egypt  Championships for team, individual, doubles and mixed doubles  

Best Paralympic Athlete 

1. Khitam Abu Awad (Table Tennis): Silver at Rio qualifications and Gold at Slovenia International Championships
2. Mohammad Abu Arrar (Powerlifting): Gold at International Fazza’ Championships
3. Fatin Elymat (Table Tennis): Silver at Slovenia International Championships; Silver at Al Nadi Championships; Bronze at Asian Championships.