Saudi Ambassador and IOC Member Princess Reema Calls for Stopping Criticism of Algerian Boxer Iman Khlif
LONDON: Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States said on Saturday that criticism of Algerian Olympic gold medalist boxer Iman Khlif must stop and that “compassion and human dignity must always prevail”.
Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks at the 142nd International Olympic Committee session in Paris as a member of the IOC and an official on the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commission.
However, she said that in the case of the abuses Khleif faced, she spoke as “a woman, a Muslim woman and an Arab woman.”
“Because of this, I am unable to comfortably serve on this committee and remain silent on the media’s comments about Imane Khelif,” she continued.
“Today I would like to say that I fully support (IOC President) Thomas Bach and everyone who communicated the joint statement between the Paris 2024 Olympic Boxing Unit and the IOC on August 1,”
The Algerian athlete won gold amid a chaotic competition in Paris, where she endured intense scrutiny both inside and outside the ring, as well as online criticism from around the world over her misconceptions about femininity.
“From my perspective, the facts are clear: Khelif is a woman,” Princess Reema said. “She was born a woman and has lived her entire life as a woman. However, despite this joint statement, there has been continued misrepresentation based on inaccurate information that is deeply hurtful. This is not only unacceptable, but also deeply saddening,” she added.
The ambassador said that although Khleif came from a poor rural area in Algeria, he worked hard like other Olympians with “determination, grit and perseverance” for the right to compete in front of the world.
Princess Reema bint Bandar addresses the 142nd International Olympic Committee session in Paris as a member of the IOC and an official of the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commission. (With information)
“By nature of an Olympian, she represents the greatest of talent and potential, and this is what makes the Games so exciting and what makes Paris so exciting. But no one has the right to deny her femininity, and to continue to perpetuate false narratives about her is an attempt to rob her of her dignity and virtue,” Princess Rema said.
“So today I stand here before his honorable panel and I say, this cannot continue. Women Olympians are the best Olympians. They train to be the best Olympians. And because of all of our collective failures, we are still talking about this. So I think this is more important than ever.
The princess said if a woman stayed silent, she would be seen as accepting false reports or being weak, but if she spoke out, she would be branded defensive.
“I believe athletes should focus on their own performance, not on proving their identity,” she told the panel.
“Athletes should not be bullied or mocked because of their appearance. No athlete should use their lifelong victories, talents or achievements as a weapon against themselves. What overshadows their appearance is their talent.”
“The Olympics are a time to celebrate diversity, with athletes from all over the world. But women and men, women don’t see, speak or perform as highly, and each woman in her sport is unique. The only unity is the determination to rise to the top,” she added.
The Saudi princess said after Khleif's quarterfinal victory, when she fell to her knees in tears, “All the women who feel alone, ridiculed or told they are not worthy, they will fall with her. And when you rise, they will rise with you.”
She added that she fully supports not only the IOC and the “bold, courageous statements they have made,” but also “all the women who have faced unnecessary criticism, which should be their time to shine and reap the benefits.”
She continued, “I ask you to look at female athletes and see what they have to endure and ask yourself, what about your daughter? What about your female friends or relatives? Your words matter and so do our actions.
“And to all the girls out there who think they’re a little bit outside the box, if you see a racket, pick it up. If you see a soccer ball, kick it. If you see a running track, run as fast as you can.”
