Dlbrin Sheraz Ahmad, a Kurdish sporting all-rounder

Most people, if they play sport, are usually only proficient in one or two especially if they reach a high level. Yet there are some who manage to excel at not just one but several sports, each of which requires different skills and abilities. In the history of organised sport, we may look to CB Fry (cricket, football, rugby and athletics - unbeaten as England cricket captain and played football for his country in 1901, before reaching an FA Cup final with Southampton) or JPR Williams (rugby’s most aggressive full-back, a Wimbledon junior champion – as well as a trained surgeon).

Scotland’s greatest ever sportsman can arguably be described as Leslie Balfour-Melville. Born in 1854, he is considered by many to be Scotland's most distinguished sportsman. Balfour-Melville's sporting career was full of notable achievements. These include victories in the Scottish Lawn Tennis Championships in 1879, the British Amateur Golf Championship in 1895 (at the age of 46), and a Scottish Billiards championship. In addition to these accomplishments, he was recognised with international honours in both rugby and cricket. He was also a noted skater, curler and long-jumper. In February 1872, at the age of 17 years and 10 months, he represented Scotland against England in the rugby international at the Kennington Oval.

It was however in the sport of cricket that he went on to achieve his most significant accomplishments, for which he is most prominently remembered. A highly accomplished batsman and wicket-keeper, he scored 46 centuries for Grange, a tally which has only been surpassed by four others in the history of Scottish cricket to this day. In his capacity as captain, he successfully guided Scotland to a triumph over a touring Australian XI in 1882. This victory was as improbable in those days as it would be in the present era. Demonstrating leadership and initiative, Balfour-Melville secured a notable score of 73 against a formidable attack led by the renowned Australian bowler F.R. "The Demon" Spofforth. 

During the late Victorian period, opportunities to participate in international sporting activities were severely constrained. Consequently, Balfour-Melville was limited to a total of 16 caps between 1874 and 1893, a significant proportion of which he captained. His prowess transcended the borders of Scotland, leading to an invitation to represent the MCC. Remarkably, at the age of 55, he was selected for a second spell in the Scotland team, playing in two further international matches against Ireland in 1909 and 1910.

The benefits of practicing more than one sport are clear. Those who do so develop better overall skills, athletic ability, and creativity. Early participation in multiple sports provides athletes with a wider range of movement skills to practice and master, resulting in a more well-rounded player whether or not they choose to specialise in one sport later on down the line. It also means that people who play more than one sport are less likely to develop overuse injuries and muscle imbalances, which are often caused by repetitive movements and stresses. Incorporating a variety of movement patterns and considering stresses placed on the body from other sports helps create a more resilient athlete.

In the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, there are also limited opportunities in the sporting arena due to lack of facilities, funding and social factors to name but three issues. It is nonetheless the case that some do succeed, through not only innate talent but also determination, willpower and a desire to succeed beyond the odds.

Dlbrin on the volleyball court

Dlbrin Sheraz Ahmad has been a successful and respected all-rounder from a young age. He is a good example to all, particularly to the younger people to whom he provides inspiration and acts as a role-model. He has had a passion for sports from an early age, especially football. Besides that, he plays volleyball, tennis, and is an accomplished swimmer.

With the team

He elaborates in his own words thus. “I graduated from Salahaddin University. My love for sport led become a student at the College of Sport, and my dream came true. My start in sport was as a goalkeeper. I was able to establish myself in the hearts of fans and teams in a short time due to my high level of performance. In my sports career as a goalkeeper, I've participated in several large and small leagues and won most of them, earning the best goalkeeper award. 

I have played volleyball since I was 15 years old. However, when I became a student at the College of Sport, I was able to further develop my skills in many different sports, especially volleyball. I am now one of the top volleyball players in Kurdistan and have played for several teams and clubs, most notably Akkad in the Iraqi Premier League.

In the stadium

Having a river in our village was a big factor in my introduction to and later success in swimming. I underwent formal swimming training at university, winning many titles in various competitions. This includes first place at Salahaddin University in free-style swimming and first place in the backstroke swimming at the Kurdistan University Olympics [which took place in June 2024 at Halabja]."

In the swimming pool

He ascribes all of these achievements to his parents and supportive family.

With some of his medals and trophies - hopefully many more to come!

Drawing on this, the old adage rings true: Healthy body, healthy mind. Even if we cannot be great athletes like those mentioned above, doing at least some form of exercise will make us feel better and go some way towards protecting us against the ills of old age.