Born in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, 31-year-old Ali admits that life is not easy, but has committed his future to Iraq regardless of potential danger.

He added: "In Baghdad there are still many problems. We still have the war. But we are used to living in Baghdad, it's my home and I don't want to go anywhere else. If I die in Baghdad it's okay, it's my place.But today I'm smiling because of this silver medal around my neck."

He has been training has been all over the Middle East at times, when trouble has flared in the Iraqi capital.

"In the last six months I trained six hours a day to be here and it paid off. We trained in Baghdad, but we also joined some training camps in Turkey and Egypt. It's good to train in Baghdad, we have a good place to practice now."