Athletics at AUIB
Inspiring Excellence Through Sport
At the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB), athletics is an integral part of the student experience. Through competitive sport, recreation, and wellness programmes, we create opportunities that promote leadership, teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.
About Athletics
The Athletics Office is responsible for planning, developing, and delivering athletic and recreational programmes across the university. Our work extends beyond competition, creating opportunities that enrich campus life and strengthen the AUIB community.
We organise competitive sports, recreational activities, fitness and wellness initiatives, leadership opportunities, and community engagement programmes that are accessible to participants of all experience levels.
By combining high-quality facilities, professional programme management, and strategic partnerships, we continue to expand opportunities for students while enhancing the university experience.
Our Mission
To enrich the university experience by delivering inclusive, high-quality athletic and recreational programmes that promote health, leadership, teamwork, and lifelong participation in sport.
Our Vision
To become one of Iraq’s leading university athletics programmes by creating an environment where sport inspires excellence, strengthens community, and contributes to student success.
Our Values
Inclusion
Integrity
Respect
Teamwork
Leadership
Wellbeing
What We Do
We support AUIB’s mission of developing well-rounded graduates while fostering school spirit, campus engagement, and lifelong participation in sport.
Competitive Sport
AUIB student-athletes proudly represent the university in national and inter-university competitions across Iraq. Our programmes support athletic development while promoting discipline, commitment, and teamwork.
Intramural Sports
Our intramural competitions provide opportunities for students from every college to compete in a fun, inclusive, and well-organised environment while building friendships and school spirit.
Recreation
Recreational programmes encourage participation regardless of previous sporting experience. Activities are designed to promote physical activity, wellbeing, and community engagement throughout the academic year.
Health & Wellness
We promote healthy lifestyles through fitness initiatives, wellness campaigns, and recreational opportunities that encourage lifelong physical activity.
Student Leadership
Students can develop leadership, communication, and organisational skills by volunteering, officiating competitions, supporting events, and representing AUIB Athletics.
Community Engagement
Athletics serves as a bridge between AUIB and the wider community through school tournaments, outreach programmes, partnerships, and sporting festivals.
Athletics Programmes
The Athletics Office currently delivers programmes including:
Football (Soccer) Basketball Volleyball Padel Table Tennis Chess Fitness & Wellness Recreational Sport Special Sporting Events University Championships Inter-University CompetitionsHighlights & Achievements
The Athletics Office continues to strengthen student engagement while expanding AUIB’s presence within university sport across Iraq.
National Representation: AUIB Basketball Team
Spring 2025: 18th place among 55 Iraqi universities
Spring 2026: Improved to 5th place among 56 Iraqi universities
This achievement reflects the rapid growth and development of AUIB’s competitive sports programme.
Internal Championships
- Football Championships: Spring 2025
- Football Championships: Fall 2025
- Football Championships: Spring 2026
Signature Events
- Mercedes-Benz × AUIB Padel Tournament – October 2025
- MINI × AUIB Padel Tournament – June 2026
- AUIB High School Football Tournament – November 2025
- American Football Experience Day – January 2025
- World Cup Spirit Games – June 2026
Strategic Partnerships
The Athletics Office works with national and international organisations to enhance the student experience through sport. Our partnerships support student engagement, athletic development, campus events, community outreach, health and wellness initiatives, and sponsorship opportunities.
Together, these collaborations help create meaningful experiences that benefit the entire AUIB community.
Meet Our Team
Nather Al-Khatib
Director of Athletics
Nather Al-Khatib provides strategic leadership for Athletics at AUIB, overseeing the development of athletic programmes, facilities, partnerships, student engagement initiatives, and long-term planning. His focus is on positioning athletics as a key contributor to student success and university life while establishing AUIB as a leading institution for university sport in Iraq.
Didar J Ahmed
Athletics Development Officer
Didar J Ahmed supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of athletic and recreational programmes across the university. Working closely with students, faculty, and university departments, he helps organise competitions, recreational activities, wellness initiatives, and campus events that encourage participation, leadership, teamwork, and a healthy campus culture.
Facilities
AUIB continues to invest in modern sporting facilities that support both recreational participation and competitive performance.
Football Pitch
Basketball Court
Volleyball Court
Padel Courts
Fitness Centre (AUIB Gym)
Outdoor Recreational Areas
athletics@auib.edu.iq