IOC member Saudi Arabia Ambassador Princess Reema calls for an end to criticism of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif
LONDON: The Saudi ambassador to the US said on Saturday that media criticism of Algerian gold medalist boxer Imane Khelif must stop and that “kindness and human dignity must prevail every time”.
Princess Reema bint Bandar spoke at the 142nd session of the International Olympic Committee in Paris in her capacity as an IOC member and official on its Commission for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
She said, however, that in the case of the abuse Khelif faced, she spoke as “a woman, a Muslim and an Arab woman”.
She continued: “As such, I cannot in good conscience serve on this committee and remain silent on the media's commentary on Imane Khelif.
“I would like to say today that I wholeheartedly support (IOC President) Thomas Bach and all those who communicated the Paris 2024 boxing unit and the IOC statement made on August 1.”
The Algerian won a gold medal amid a tumultuous run in Paris, where she suffered intense scrutiny inside and outside the ring and online abuse from around the world over misconceptions about her femininity.
“From my point of view, the facts are clear, Khelif is a woman,” said Princess Reema. “She was born a girl and lived her whole life as a woman. However, despite this joint statement, there has been continued misreporting based on misinformation that has caused immeasurable pain and this is not only unacceptable but absolutely heartbreaking,” she added.
The ambassador said that from humble roots in the Algerian countryside, Khelif worked as hard as any other Olympic athlete with “determination, seriousness and perseverance” for the right to compete in front of the world.
Princess Reema bint Bandar spoke at the 142nd session of the International Olympic Committee in Paris in her capacity as an IOC member and official on its Commission for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. (Provided)
“As is the nature of the Olympians, it represents the highest ability and capability, and that is what makes these Games so spectacular and what makes Paris so spectacular. But no one has the right to deny her womanhood and to continue pushing false narratives against her is an attempt to rob her of her dignity and merit,” said Princess Reema.
“So I stand here today before his distinguished committee and say that this cannot go on. Olympic women are elite, they train to be the best of the best. And it's that collective failure of all of us that we're still having this conversation, so I think it's more important than ever.
The princess said that if a woman remained silent, she was seen as accepting wrong reports or as weak, but if she spoke, she would be seen as defensive.
“I think athletes should focus on their performance, not justify their existence,” she told the committee.
“No athlete should be bullied or ridiculed for their appearance, no athlete should have their victories, or the talents or achievements they have developed over a lifetime, held against them, because what overshadows their appearance it's the talent.
“These Olympics are a time to celebrate diversity, with athletes coming from all corners of the globe. But ladies and gentlemen, you know, women don't look, speak or act singularly, and every woman who performs in her sport is unique. The only commonality is the determination to reach the top,” she added.
The Saudi princess said after Khelif's quarter-final victory, as she fell to her knees in tears, “every woman who has ever felt isolated, mocked or told she doesn't belong; they fell with her. And when she rose, they rose with her.”
She added that she gave her full support not only to the IOC and the “brave and bold statements they made” but also to “every woman who has been subjected to unnecessary criticism in what should have been the time them to shine and shine. pick up.”
She continued: “To the general public and to humanity, please look at sportswomen and look at what they have endured and ask yourself: What was your daughter? What if she was your friend or relative? Your words matter and our behavior matters.
“And to every girl who thinks she's a little outside the box or outside the norm, if you see a racket, pick it up; if you see a soccer ball, kick it; and if you see a track, run as fast as you can.”
