Riyadh, March 11, 2025 – In a historic moment for Saudi sports, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded Saudi Taekwondo national team athlete Dunya Abu Talib the prestigious 2024 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award for Asia. This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s sporting history, as it represents the first time a Saudi athlete has received such recognition. Abu Talib’s extraordinary accomplishments, including being the first Saudi woman to qualify for the Olympic Games and securing a gold medal at the Asian Games, have firmly established her as a trailblazer in the realm of sports and gender equality.
Abu Talib’s accolade is not merely a testament to her athletic prowess but also to her unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in sports. Through her achievements, she has become a powerful role model, inspiring countless female athletes both within Saudi Arabia and around the world. Her story exemplifies the progress women in the Kingdom have made in the realm of sports, where barriers are being broken and opportunities for success continue to expand.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), expressed immense pride in Abu Talib’s recognition, emphasizing that her success reflects the Kingdom’s substantial strides in advancing women’s sports. “This remarkable achievement underscores the tremendous progress Saudi women have made in global sports, a journey that has been propelled by the unwavering support of our leadership,” said Prince Abdulaziz. “This recognition is not only a testament to Dunya Abu Talib’s outstanding achievements but also a shining example of the broader changes taking place in our country, where women now play a crucial role on the world stage. It serves as an inspiration for the next generation of female athletes in Saudi Arabia to pursue excellence and achieve even greater feats.”
Abu Talib, who is currently ranked first globally in the World Taekwondo Federation’s general ranking for the under-53 kg weight category, expressed her gratitude for the honor and reflected on the journey that led her to this remarkable point. “This achievement is a reflection of the collective efforts made to empower women and support them in achieving excellence in their chosen fields,” she remarked. “It is not just a personal accomplishment, but a recognition of the progress that has been made to give women the platform and opportunities to excel, both locally and internationally.”
This recognition is further proof of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s ongoing commitment to fostering an environment conducive to athletic excellence. The SOPC continues to provide the resources and support necessary for athletes in the Kingdom to thrive and succeed on the global stage, allowing them to bring honor and pride to Saudi Arabia in international competitions. The Kingdom’s focus on creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem, which includes significant investments in women's sports, has paved the way for the development of a new generation of athletes, prepared to make their mark on the world.
Abu Talib’s achievement, undoubtedly, is a landmark moment in the Kingdom’s journey towards greater gender equality and representation in sports. Her success is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the support of a nation that believes in empowering its athletes. As the spotlight now turns to her and other Saudi female athletes, the future of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia has never looked brighter. With the continued backing of the Kingdom’s leadership and the SOPC, Saudi Arabia is poised to see even greater successes and achievements in the world of sports in the years to come.
