Saudi ambassador, IOC member Princess Reema, asked to stop criticizing Algerian boxer Imane Khalif
London: The Saudi ambassador to the US said on Saturday that media criticism of Algeria's Olympic gold medalist boxer Imane Khalif should stop and that “compassion and human dignity must prevail every time”.
Princess Reema Bint Bandar was speaking at the 142nd session of the International Olympic Committee in Paris as a member of the IOC and an official of the Commission on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
She said, however, that she spoke out for “women, Muslims and Arab women” in the case of the abuse suffered by Khalif.
She continued: “Therefore, I cannot in good conscience serve on this committee and remain silent on media commentary on Imane Khalif.
“I want to say today that I wholeheartedly support (IOC President) Thomas Bach and the United Paris 2024 Boxing Unit and all those who communicated the IOC statement made on August 1.”
The Algerian won gold amid a tumultuous run in Paris, where she has endured intense scrutiny in and out of the ring and online abuse from around the world for misconceptions about her femininity.
“From my point of view, the facts are clear, the Khalif is a woman,” said Princess Reema. “She was born a girl and has lived her entire life as a woman. However, despite this joint statement, there has been continuous misreporting based on misinformation which has caused immense pain and is not only unacceptable, but utterly heartbreaking,” she added. .
The ambassador said that, from humble roots in rural Algeria, Khalif had worked as hard as all Olympic athletes with “determination, determination and perseverance” for the right to compete in front of the world.
Princess Reema Bint Bandar was speaking at the 142nd session of the International Olympic Committee in Paris as a member of the IOC and an official of the Commission on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. (supplied)
“Like the nature of Olympians, she represents the highest potential and ability, and that is what makes these games so spectacular and Paris so spectacular. But no one has the right to deny her femininity and pushing false narratives against her is an attempt to rob her of her dignity and her worth.” ,” said Princess Reema.
“So, I stand here today before his distinguished committee and I say that this cannot continue. Female Olympians are elite, they train to be the best. And it's a 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 the woman remained silent, she would be seen as accepting false reports or as weak, but if she spoke, she would be branded defensive.
“I think athletes should not have to justify their existence, they should focus on their performance,” she told the committee.
“No athlete should be bullied or ridiculed for their appearance, no athlete should have their victories, or talents or achievements that they have developed over a lifetime, be used as a weapon against them, because what is eclipsed is talent.
“These Olympics are a time to celebrate diversity with athletes from all corners of the world. But ladies and gentlemen, you know, women don't look, speak or act as one, and every woman performs in her own sport, she's unique. The only communalism is to top it off. It is a determination to deliver,” she added.
“Every woman who's ever felt alone, ridiculed or told they don't belong; they fell with her. And when she rose, they rose with her,” the Saudi princess said after Khalif's quarterfinal win, kneeling in tears.
She added that she offered her full support not only to the IOC and the “bold and courageous statements they made,” but also to “every woman who has been subjected to unnecessary criticism. Katni.”
He continued: “To the general public and to mankind, I ask you to look at the female athletes and see what they have been through, and ask yourself: What was your daughter? If it was your female friend or relative? Your words and our behavior are important.
“And to every girl who thinks she lives 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.”
