Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, IOC member Princess of Rome calls to stop criticizing Algerian boxer Imane Khelifa
LONDON: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the US said on Saturday that media criticism of Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelifa 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 as a member of the IOC and an official in its Commission on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
However, she said that in the case of the abuse that Khelif faced, she came forward as “a woman, a Muslim and an Arab woman”.
She continued: “Therefore, I cannot in good conscience serve on this committee and remain silent on the media's comments regarding Imane Khelief.
“I would like to say today that I wholeheartedly support (IOC President) Thomas Bach and everyone who released the joint statement of the Paris 2024 Boxing Group and the IOC on August 1.”
The Algerian won the gold medal during a stormy race in Paris, where she endured scrutiny in and out of the ring, as well as online abuse from around the world over misconceptions about her femininity.
“From my point of view, the facts are clear, Helif is a woman,” said Princess Rome. “She was born a girl and lived as a woman all her life. However, despite this joint statement, there has been a constant flow of misinformation-based distortions that have caused immeasurable pain, and this is not only unacceptable, but absolutely heartbreaking,” she added.
The ambassador said that from humble roots in rural Algeria, Khelif worked as hard as any other Olympic athlete, with “determination, grit and perseverance” to earn 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 as a member of the IOC and an official in its Commission on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. (included)
“Like the nature of the Olympians, it represents the ultimate ability and capacity, and that is what makes these Games so spectacular and what makes Paris so spectacular. But no one has the right to deny her her femininity, and continuing false narratives against her is an attempt to deprive her of her dignity and merit,” said Princess Rome.
“So I stand here today before his esteemed committee and say that this cannot continue. Female Olympians are the elite, they train to be the best of the best. And that collective failure of all of us is that we're still having this conversation, which is why I think it's more important than ever.
The princess said that if a woman remained silent, she would be seen as weak or receptive to distortions, but if she spoke out, she would be branded as defensive.
“I believe athletes should focus on their performance rather than justifying their existence,” she told the committee.
“No athlete should be bullied or bullied because of their looks, no athlete should have their wins or talents or achievements they've developed over a lifetime used against them because what overshadows the looks is talent.
“These Olympic Games are a time to celebrate diversity as athletes come from all corners of the globe. But ladies and gentlemen, you know, women don't look, talk, or act individually, and every woman who plays her sport is unique. The only commonality is the determination to make it to the top,” she added.
The Saudi princess said after Khelif's quarter-final win as she fell to her knees in tears, “every woman who has ever felt isolated, bullied or told they don't belong; they fell with her. And when she got up, they got up with her.”
She added that she offered her full support not only to the IOC and the “brave and bold statements they have made” but also to “every woman who has been subjected to unnecessary criticism at a time when it should have been their time to shine and reap the benefits.” .
She continued: “To the general public and to humanity, I'm asking you to look at female athletes and see what they've been through and ask yourself, what was your daughter? What if it was your friend or relative? Your words matter and our behavior matters.
“And to every girl who thinks she's sitting a little out of the box or out of the box, when you see a racquet, pick it up; if you see a soccer ball, kick it; and if you see a track, run as fast as you can.'
