'Achievement for all Arabs': PSG president Nasser Al-Khelafi takes part in Olympic torch relay in Paris ahead of opening ceremony
Paris: Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelafi took part in the Olympic Torch Relay on Monday afternoon ahead of Friday's opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The torch relay will pass through more than 400 towns and cities in France and its overseas territories, supported by a host of distinguished figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment and culture, including Formula One driver Charles, Prince and Princess of Monaco. Leclerc, and Hollywood actress Halle Berry.
In recognition of Al-Khelafi's contribution to French sport and the upcoming tournament, the International Olympic Committee gave the PSG president the opportunity to collect the Olympic torch in Vigneux-sur-Seine, a southern suburb of the French capital. He handed it to 84-year-old Marie-Rolande Biro, the former head of the Appene judo club, before carrying it for about 500 metres.
Al-Khelafi, a former ATP tennis player from Qatar who is now also the chairman of beIN Media Group and Qatar Sports Investments, was greeted by crowds of fans in the streets cheering and calling his name. After posing for photos and interacting with supporters, he explained how the game has influenced his life and work ethic and helped him connect with people from all walks of life.
“It is a great honor to carry the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch and Flame, which represents a powerful symbol of unity, friendship and peace,” he said. “It is an indescribable feeling to carry it as a Qatari, Arab and Muslim in Paris, the French capital. This is an achievement for not only the State of Qatar, but for all Arabs, and I thank God for this honor. When I was an athlete and played tennis, I always had this It was a dream. Today that dream has come true.”
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelafi takes part in the Olympic torch relay on Monday afternoon. (supplied)
Al-Khelafi carried the torch along Avenue Henri Barbousse, about 27km south of Parc des Princes, home of PSG. The club's iconic stadium will host 10 football matches this Wednesday, including the first event of Paris 2024, the men's tie between Uzbekistan and Spain, as well as the men's and women's football finals on August 9 and 10 respectively.
“Paris Saint-Germain is very proud that 26 of our men and women athletes – men and women in football, handball and judo – are competing in the Games, and we look forward to a fantastic sporting spectacle in our hometown of Paris.” Al-Khelaifi added. “It is an honor for Paris Saint-Germain, for me personally, for all the club members and for the State of Qatar.”
Qatar is taking a 14-athlete delegation to Paris 2024, including gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Games and silver at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics and weightlifter Mutaj Barsim. Fares Ibrahim Hassouna, who also won gold in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, PSG has been competing in the Olympic Games for 40 years. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the French club celebrated 15 Olympic and four Paralympic medalists. This year, in addition to 26 players, more than 70 employees are also assisting in program management, operations and technical support in various capacities.
The 2024 Olympic Games will begin on July 26, ahead of preliminary events in football and rugby sevens, which will begin on July 24. The closing ceremony on August 11 will mark the conclusion of the fourteen-year program.
