Olympics chief Thomas Bach says will not seek third term

London: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States said on Saturday that media criticism of Olympic gold-medal Algerian boxer Iman Khalif must stop and that “kindness and human dignity must prevail every time.”

Princess Rima Bent Bandar was speaking at the 142nd meeting of the International Olympic Committee in Paris as a member of the International Olympic Committee and an official of the Committee's Commission on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

He said, however, that he spoke about the abuse Khalifa faced as “a woman, a Muslim woman and an Arab woman.”

He continued: In this way, I cannot conscientiously serve on this committee and remain silent about the media's interpretation of Iman Khalifa.

I want to say today that I wholeheartedly support Thomas Bach (IOC President) and all those who communicated the joint statement of the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit and the IOC on 1 August.

The Algerian won gold amid a tumultuous run in Paris, where she faced intense scrutiny in and out of the ring and online abuse from around the world over misconceptions about her femininity.

“From my point of view, the facts are clear, the caliph is a woman,” Princess Rima said. She was born a girl and lived her whole life as a woman. However, despite this joint statement, there is continued misreporting based on misinformation that has caused immeasurable pain and is not only unacceptable, but downright heartbreaking.

From humble roots in rural Algeria, Khalif has worked as hard as any other Olympic athlete with “determination, grit and perseverance” for the right to compete in front of the world, the ambassador said.

As is the nature of Olympians, he represents the ultimate ability and capacity, and that is what makes these Games so spectacular and Paris so spectacular. But no one has the right to deny that she is a woman, and continuing false narratives against her is an attempt to steal her dignity and merit.”

“So, I stand here today in front of his distinguished committee and say this cannot continue. Women Olympians are elite, they train to be the best of the best. And it's a collective failure of all of us that we're still having this conversation. , so I think it is more important than ever.

The princess said that if a woman remained silent, she would be seen as accepting false or weak reports, but if she were to speak, she would be seen as defensive.

“I believe athletes should focus on their performance, not on having to justify their existence,” he told the committee.

No athlete should be bullied or ridiculed because of their appearance, no athlete should have their wins, talents, or lifetime achievements held against them, because what overshadows appearance Give is talent.

“This Olympics is a time to celebrate diversity, with athletes coming from all corners of the world. But ladies and gentlemen, you know, women don't look, speak or act in isolation, and every woman in their respective sport “It is unique. The only community is the determination to reach the top.”

“Every woman who's ever felt isolated, teased or told they don't belong,” the Saudi prince said after Khalifa's quarter-final win as she broke down in tears. They fell with him and when he rose, they rose with him.”

She added that she offered her full support not only to the IOC and the “brave and bold statements they've made,” but also to “every woman who has been criticized unnecessarily, at a time when it should have been for them to shine and shine.” does”. reap.”

He continued: I ask the general public and humanity to look at female athletes and look at what they endured and ask yourself: What was your daughter? What if it was your female friend or relative? Your words are important and our behavior is important.

And to any girl who thinks she sits a little outside the box 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 path, run as fast as you can.”