Saudi Ambassador and IOC member Princess Reema calls for a halt to criticism of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif
LONDON: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States said on Saturday that media criticism of Algerian Olympic gold medallist boxer Imane Khelif must stop and that “kindness and human dignity must prevail at all times”.
Princess Reema bint Bandar addressed the 142nd session of the International Olympic Committee in Paris in her capacity as IOC member and official of the Commission for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
She said, however, that in the case of Khelif's abuse, she spoke as “a woman, a Muslim and an Arab woman.”
He continued: “Therefore, I cannot in good conscience be part of this committee and remain silent about the media's comments on Imane Khelif.
“Today I would like to say that I wholeheartedly support (IOC President) Thomas Bach and all those who communicated the joint statement of the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit and the IOC, issued on 1 August.”
The Algerian won a gold medal amid a tumultuous run in Paris, where she endured harsh scrutiny in and out of the ring and online abuse from around the world over misconceptions about her femininity.
“From my perspective, the facts are clear, Khelif is a woman,” Princess Reema said. “She was born a girl and has lived her entire life as a woman. However, despite this joint statement, there have been continued false reports based on incorrect information that have caused immeasurable pain and this is not only unacceptable but absolutely heartbreaking,” she added.
The ambassador said that coming from humble rural origins in Algeria, Khelif had worked as hard as any other Olympian, with “determination, grit and perseverance”, to earn the right to compete in front of the world.
Princess Reema bint Bandar addressed the 142nd session of the International Olympic Committee in Paris in her capacity as IOC member and officer of the Commission for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. (Supplied)
“As is the nature of Olympians, she represents the most superior ability and competence, 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 to continue to push false narratives against her is an attempt to rob her of her dignity and her merit,” Princess Reema said.
“So, I stand here today before your distinguished committee and say this cannot continue. Women Olympians are elite, they train to be the best of the best. And it is this collective failure of all of us that keeps us having this conversation, so I think it is more important than ever.
The princess said that if a woman remained silent, she was considered weak or accepting false reports, but if she spoke out, she was labelled as defensive.
“I think athletes should focus on their performance, not have to justify their existence,” he told the committee.
“No athlete should be made fun of or ridiculed for his appearance, no athlete should have his victories, or his talents, or his achievements developed over the course of his life, used as weapons against him, because what eclipses the looks is the talent.
“This Olympics is a time to celebrate diversity, with athletes from every corner of the globe. But ladies and gentlemen, you know, women don't look, speak or act like one, and every woman who performs in her respective sport is unique. The only commonality is the determination to get to the top,” she added.
The Saudi princess said after Khelif's quarterfinal win, when she fell to her knees in tears, “every woman who has ever felt isolated, ridiculed or told she didn't belong; she 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 “courageous and bold statements they have made,” but also to “every woman who has been subjected to unnecessary criticism, in what should have been her moment to shine and reap.”
She continued: “To the general public and to humanity, I ask you to look at the athletes and look at what they have endured, and ask yourself: What was your daughter? What if she had been your friend or relative? Your words matter and our behavior matters.
“And to every girl who thinks she's a little out of line or out of 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.”
