Jordan: A First For Women
Wrestling for Peace (W4P) has witnessed an extraordinary journey in Jordan, where women's wrestling is not just a sport, but a movement that is giving greater opportunity for all athletes to excel in athletic competition. What began as a small initiative three years ago has blossomed into a trailblazing force, with young women breaking barriers and achieving milestones that were once unimaginable.
Wrestling, one of the world’s oldest and most respected sports, has a long history, but the women’s division—though gaining momentum globally—was still in its infancy in many regions, including the Middle East. In Jordan, the sport was essentially non-existent for women. Yet, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Jordanian Wrestling Federation, the unwavering support from organizations like W4P, and the passion of the athletes themselves, women’s wrestling began its journey in the Hashemite Kingdom.
The first women’s wrestling team was established in Jordan with little more than hope and determination, but in just three short years, the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. The athletes have not only competed in regional events, but have taken on the biggest challenges in the sport, including the prestigious Asian Championships and the age-group World Championships. Jordan’s emerging female wrestlers have shown the world what true resilience looks like.
Maya Qtaishat: A Historic Milestone
One of the most inspiring stories of this rise is that of Maya Qtaishat, a 17-year-old trailblazer who has already left an indelible mark on the sport. Maya, who is part of the Jordanian National Women's U17 Team, recently achieved a historic feat by securing an athletic scholarship to a U.S. college—a monumental step not only for her but for women’s wrestling in Jordan.
Maya will attend D'Youville University in Buffalo, New York, where she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management while continuing her wrestling career at a competitive collegiate level. Her scholarship to a U.S. college is the first of its kind for a Jordanian woman wrestler, and it speaks volumes about the potential that Jordan’s female athletes now have in the world of wrestling.
The scholarship, awarded by the National Association of American University Players (NCAA) Division II, is a testament to Maya's hard work and dedication. It is also a shining example of what can happen when opportunities are made available to women in sports. Maya’s success is inspiring hope for future generations of Jordanian women who aspire to compete at the highest levels.
Maya’s achievements were not celebrated in isolation. The Jordanian Wrestling Federation, led by President Mohammed Al-Awamleh, has been instrumental in supporting the development of women's wrestling in the country. The Federation recently congratulated Maya for her scholarship, noting how her success reflects the comprehensive approach that has been adopted to develop female athletes. This approach doesn’t just focus on athletic prowess, but also on academic excellence, ensuring that these athletes are prepared for success both on and off the mat.
“The criteria for selection to these scholarships are rigorous, requiring both academic and athletic excellence,” Al-Awamleh said. “Maya’s achievement sets a remarkable example for the future of women’s wrestling in Jordan.” But Maya’s success is just the beginning. As she continues to represent her country on the continental and global stage, her journey encourages countless other young women to pursue wrestling—not just as a sport, but as a path to success and empowerment. Her potential to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles serves as a beacon for other aspiring athletes, showing them that with determination and support, anything is possible.
W4P: Empowering Women Through Sport
By supporting and promoting the growth of female athletes in Jordan, W4P has been a catalyst for growth in the sport for both men and women. Through the Jordan Wrestling Federation’s outstanding leadership, the country has seen the formation of 21 new wrestling clubs and has trained 19 new referees, laying the foundation for a thriving wrestling culture that empowers both men and women.
W4P has also been instrumental in bringing international experts to Jordan to train and mentor the athletes. The organization has hosted world-class female wrestlers and coaches, elevating the skills of the country’s athletes. Among them is Afsoon Johnston, an Iranian-born world medalist, who visited Jordan and praised the rapid progress of women’s wrestling in the country. "I was pleasantly surprised at how much progress has been made in such a short time," she said. "The future of women’s wrestling in Jordan is incredibly promising."
Rana Al-Saeed, Secretary-General of the Jordan Olympic Committee, echoed these sentiments, recognizing how vital the formation of national teams and the promotion of women’s wrestling is to the country’s future in the sport. “The Jordan Wrestling Federation has played a key role in inspiring young girls to learn and practice the sport,” she stated, “and we are committed to supporting the federation in developing wrestling for both men and women.”
The growth of women’s wrestling in Jordan is not just a win for the athletes, but for the entire region. Jordan’s hosting of the first Arab Women’s Wrestling Championship in 2024 is another milestone, further cementing the country’s role as a leader in the development of women’s sports in the Arab world. This event, and others like it, offer a platform for women from across the region to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level, helping to build a robust and supportive wrestling community.
With the groundwork laid by the Jordanian Wrestling Federation, W4P, and the relentless drive of the athletes, the future of women’s wrestling in Jordan looks brighter than ever. As Maya Qtaishat’s groundbreaking scholarship and the successes of other athletes continue to inspire, the next generation of wrestlers will surely rise to meet new challenges, striving for Olympic gold and representing their country on the world’s biggest stage.
Celebrating these achievements, W4P stands at the forefront of this incredible journey, helping to seed new opportunities and pave the way for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.