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    Algerian boxer Imane Khelif brings home gold despite scrutiny at the Olympics

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    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    4 mins ago

    Algerian boxer Imane Khelif: A golden triumph amidst a storm of controversy.

    Imane Khelif, a determined Algerian boxer, has etched her name in history by clinching the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Her victory, however, is far from a straightforward tale of athletic prowess. Khelif’s journey to the podium has been a tumultuous one, marked by unprecedented levels of scrutiny and online abuse stemming from unfounded questions about her gender.

    Having conquered the ring with a decisive 5-0 victory over China’s Yang Liu in the women’s welterweight final, Khelif’s triumph was celebrated by a jubilant Algerian crowd at the iconic Roland Garros stadium. Yet, while her supporters waved flags and chanted her name, the boxer faced a barrage of attacks from a global platform, including high-profile individuals who publicly questioned her eligibility to compete in the women’s category.

    Khelif’s experience has thrust her into the spotlight as a symbol of the evolving discourse on gender identity and the complex challenges faced by athletes navigating the intersection of sports and societal norms. As the world grapples with shifting attitudes towards gender, her story serves as a stark reminder of the prejudices that persist, even in the face of extraordinary achievement.

    Imane Khelif, a dedicated athlete who has competed as a woman throughout her career, was born female, is registered as female, and holds a female passport. Yet, her legitimacy to compete was challenged, primarily due to lingering biases and misconceptions. These allegations were refuted by the IOC, which reaffirmed her status as a female athlete. IOC spokesman Mark Adams stated unequivocally that Imane “was born female, is registered as female, has lived her life as female, boxes as female, and has a female passport,” stressing that the issue is not related to transgenderism.

    Despite the clarity of her eligibility, public figures and critics, including British author JK Rowling and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have attacked Khelif’s right to compete. Rowling’s comments on social media, labeling Khelif as male, and Meloni’s assertion that female athletes with male chromosomes should not compete in women’s sports, have only fueled the controversy and intensified the unfair treatment of Khelif.
    The criticism directed at Khelif is not just a personal attack but also a reflection of broader societal prejudices and misinformation about gender identity. The Algerian Olympic Committee and Algerian Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdel Rahman Hamad, have rightfully condemned these attacks, emphasizing the need to support athletes like Khelif against baseless and malicious accusations.

    Adding to the injustice, Khelif’s recent victory in the 66kg weight class was overshadowed by the controversy. Her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their match after a strong punch, leading to Khelif’s advancement. Yet, instead of celebrating her achievement, the focus shifted to unfounded allegations. Even after Khelif’s unanimous victory over Hungarian Anna Luca Hamori, ensuring her an Olympic medal, the debate over her gender persisted.
    The situation was exacerbated by past incidents, such as Khelif’s disqualification from the 2023 world championships due to an unspecified gender eligibility test. This past scrutiny has only compounded the current controversy, despite the IOC’s clear stance and support for Khelif’s participation.
    The IOC President, Thomas Bach, defended the inclusion of Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting, criticizing the backlash as “hate speech.” Bach emphasized that both athletes were born as women, raised as women, and have competed as women, underscoring the baselessness of the criticism they faced.

    The unnecessary controversy surrounding Imane Khelif’s participation in the Paris Olympics highlights the urgent need for better education and understanding of gender issues in sports. Khelif’s case should serve as a reminder of the importance of fair treatment and the dangers of allowing prejudice to overshadow athletic achievements. It is imperative that future discussions and decisions on gender eligibility in sports be guided by facts and fairness, ensuring that no athlete has to endure such unjust scrutiny again.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: @imane_khelif_10 More

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      Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faces unjust scrutiny over gender eligibility at the Olympics

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      1 hour ago

      In a decision that should have been straightforward, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the eligibility of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
      Despite this confirmation, Khelif has been unfairly subjected to intense scrutiny and baseless accusations questioning her gender, igniting a controversy that should never have occurred.

      Imane Khelif, a dedicated athlete who has competed as a woman throughout her career, was born female, is registered as female, and holds a female passport. Yet, her legitimacy to compete was challenged, primarily due to lingering biases and misconceptions. These allegations were refuted by the IOC, which reaffirmed her status as a female athlete. IOC spokesman Mark Adams stated unequivocally that Imane “was born female, is registered as female, has lived her life as female, boxes as female, and has a female passport,” stressing that the issue is not related to transgenderism.

      Despite the clarity of her eligibility, public figures and critics, including British author JK Rowling and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have attacked Khelif’s right to compete. Rowling’s comments on social media, labeling Khelif as male, and Meloni’s assertion that female athletes with male chromosomes should not compete in women’s sports, have only fueled the controversy and intensified the unfair treatment of Khelif.
      The criticism directed at Khelif is not just a personal attack but also a reflection of broader societal prejudices and misinformation about gender identity. The Algerian Olympic Committee and Algerian Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdel Rahman Hamad, have rightfully condemned these attacks, emphasizing the need to support athletes like Khelif against baseless and malicious accusations.

      Adding to the injustice, Khelif’s recent victory in the 66kg weight class was overshadowed by the controversy. Her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their match after a strong punch, leading to Khelif’s advancement. Yet, instead of celebrating her achievement, the focus shifted to unfounded allegations. Even after Khelif’s unanimous victory over Hungarian Anna Luca Hamori, ensuring her an Olympic medal, the debate over her gender persisted.
      The situation was exacerbated by past incidents, such as Khelif’s disqualification from the 2023 world championships due to an unspecified gender eligibility test. This past scrutiny has only compounded the current controversy, despite the IOC’s clear stance and support for Khelif’s participation.
      The IOC President, Thomas Bach, defended the inclusion of Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting, criticizing the backlash as “hate speech.” Bach emphasized that both athletes were born as women, raised as women, and have competed as women, underscoring the baselessness of the criticism they faced.

      The unnecessary controversy surrounding Imane Khelif’s participation in the Paris Olympics highlights the urgent need for better education and understanding of gender issues in sports. Khelif’s case should serve as a reminder of the importance of fair treatment and the dangers of allowing prejudice to overshadow athletic achievements. It is imperative that future discussions and decisions on gender eligibility in sports be guided by facts and fairness, ensuring that no athlete has to endure such unjust scrutiny again.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @imane_khelif_10 More

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      UAE’s rising athletes to shine at the Paris 2024 Olympics

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      15 seconds ago

      The United Arab Emirates is poised to make a significant mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with a strong contingent of 14 athletes representing the nation across five disciplines.

      This year’s participation marks another step forward in the UAE’s Olympic journey, a path that has seen steady growth and increasing competitiveness since the nation’s debut in 1984.
      Meet the athletes representing the UAE at the 2024 Paris Olympics
      Leading the UAE delegation is the promising equestrian rider, Omar Al Marzouqi. A silver medalist at the 2018 Youth Olympics, Al Marzouqi, at just 19, carried the nation’s flag at the opening ceremony, a testament to his exceptional talent and rapid rise. Joining him in the equestrian arena are Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Al Marri, Salem Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Karbi, forming a formidable team aiming to elevate the UAE’s standing in this prestigious sport.

      Judo also promises to be a highlight for the UAE. A six-member team, including rising stars like Omar Marouf, Dhafer Aram, and Bashirat Kharoudi, will compete fiercely for medals. The inclusion of Kharoudi is particularly noteworthy, as she represents the growing number of Emirati women making their mark in sports.
      Breaking new ground, Safiya Al Sayegh will become the first Emirati female cyclist to compete at the Olympics. Her participation is a symbol of the UAE’s commitment to gender equality in sports and its aspiration to excel in a wider range of disciplines.

      The swimming pool will see the return of Yousuf Al-Matrooshi, building on his experience from the 2020 Tokyo Games,while Maha Al Shehi represents the nation in the women’s category. On the track, Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi will vie for honors in the 100m sprint.
      As the UAE team prepares to take on the world’s best athletes, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation.With a blend of youth, experience, and unwavering determination, the UAE is set to inspire a new generation of athletes and leave a lasting impression on the global sporting stage.
      Who do you think will be the UAE’s star performer at the Paris Olympics?
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @afrndofmine and @uaenoc More

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      This new hotel epitomises Parisian chic at the French Capital

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      50 mins ago

      At the center of French Capital, a new hotel epitomizes Parisian chic.
      Ahh Paris – always a good idea isn’t it? It’s one of those cities where you find yourself returning to and not get tired of. This summer, the French Capital buzzes with sporting excitement as it gears up for Paris 2024 Olympics. With an uptick in travel and continuous influx of tourists for summer, enjoying the city’s culture, shopping, and food might pose as a big challenge.
      Luckily, Hotel Balzac just opened in June. This new Relais & Chateux five-star haven sits on the corners of Rue Balzac and Rue Lord Byron – a stone’s throw away from the legendary avenue Champs-Élysées, where you’ll feel the magnetic energy of Paris yet are able to retreat with ease.

      Like with any Relais & Chateux property, Hotel Balzac is full of charm and character, providing a unique sense of place. The Parisian epitome of quiet luxury, it offers all the modern comforts of a discerning traveller and a reliable hospitality service.
      Upon walking past its majestic door for check-in, you’ll feel the intimate and warm atmosphere of the lobby, thanks to the renowned Festen Architecture duo, Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. The Festen duo have leaned heavily into the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration, revisited with creative modernity and minimalism deeply anchored in Balzac’s Parisian identity to create ultra-chic spaces within the hotel, which is eminently Instagrammable.

      A Chic Stay
      It features 58 rooms and spacious suites (some with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and sky-high rooftop terraces). The bathroom comes with a bathtub or shower (or both!) and is adorned with goregous wood panelling that contrasts with the mosaic marble as well as bath amenities from Diptyque, which is always a plus.

      Looking for something more exceptional? Located on the 6th and top floor, the Paris Sky Suite features a large living room that extends to a terrace overlooking Rue Lord Byron and the Champs-Elysées, facing the Eiffel Tower. On the other side of the long corridor, two peaceful bedrooms with their bathrooms overlook the courtyard and the rooftops of Paris.
      Sleek & Exceptional Dining
      Beyond the glass-roofed lounge, the Hotel Balzac bar is a sleek space for a break during a day of shopping, a lunch with girl friends, or a night cap, and serves bar-style bites including Petrossian caviar specialties or a lobster roll with Espelette pepper and ginger alongside delicious beverages crafted by Head Bartender Julien Quettier.

      Although the culinary offering is limited, there are plenty of options from the neighborhood and without going too far, there’s the exquisite Pierre Gagnaire restaurant, a 3-star Michelin restaurant which is situated… at Hotel Balzac.

      A Unique Wellness Space
      After a hectic day around Paris, the Ikoi Spa offers a unique escape with a holistic approach inspired by Japanese methods. It provides a range of treatments and massages on tables or tatami mats. The pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness room complete the facilities of this unparalleled spa, which will officially open for guests in July 2024.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image: Supplied / Matthieu Salvaing  More

    • 163 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      At the center of the French Capital, a new hotel epitomises Parisian chic

      by

      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      2 hours ago

      At the center of French Capital, a new hotel epitomizes Parisian chic.
      Ahh Paris – always a good idea isn’t it? It’s one of those cities where you find yourself returning to and not get tired of. This summer, the French Capital buzzes with sporting excitement as it gears up for Paris 2024 Olympics. With an uptick in travel and continuous influx of tourists for summer, enjoying the city’s culture, shopping, and food might pose as a big challenge.
      Luckily, Hotel Balzac just opened in June. This new Relais & Chateux five-star haven sits on the corners of Rue Balzac and Rue Lord Byron – a stone’s throw away from the legendary avenue Champs-Élysées, where you’ll feel the magnetic energy of Paris yet are able to retreat with ease.

      Like with any Relais & Chateux property, Hotel Balzac is full of charm and character, providing a unique sense of place. The Parisian epitome of quiet luxury, it offers all the modern comforts of a discerning traveller and a reliable hospitality service.
      Upon walking past its majestic door for check-in, you’ll feel the intimate and warm atmosphere of the lobby, thanks to the renowned Festen Architecture duo, Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. The Festen duo have leaned heavily into the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration, revisited with creative modernity and minimalism deeply anchored in Balzac’s Parisian identity to create ultra-chic spaces within the hotel, which is eminently Instagrammable.

      A Chic Stay
      It features 58 rooms and spacious suites (some with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and sky-high rooftop terraces). The bathroom comes with a bathtub or shower (or both!) and is adorned with goregous wood panelling that contrasts with the mosaic marble as well as bath amenities from Diptyque, which is always a plus.

      Looking for something more exceptional? Located on the 6th and top floor, the Paris Sky Suite features a large living room that extends to a terrace overlooking Rue Lord Byron and the Champs-Elysées, facing the Eiffel Tower. On the other side of the long corridor, two peaceful bedrooms with their bathrooms overlook the courtyard and the rooftops of Paris.
      Sleek & Exceptional Dining
      Beyond the glass-roofed lounge, the Hotel Balzac bar is a sleek space for a break during a day of shopping, a lunch with girl friends, or a night cap, and serves bar-style bites including Petrossian caviar specialties or a lobster roll with Espelette pepper and ginger alongside delicious beverages crafted by Head Bartender Julien Quettier.

      Although the culinary offering is limited, there are plenty of options from the neighborhood and without going too far, there’s the exquisite Pierre Gagnaire restaurant, a 3-star Michelin restaurant which is situated… at Hotel Balzac.

      A Unique Wellness Space
      After a hectic day around Paris, the Ikoi Spa offers a unique escape with a holistic approach inspired by Japanese methods. It provides a range of treatments and massages on tables or tatami mats. The pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness room complete the facilities of this unparalleled spa, which will officially open for guests in July 2024.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image: Supplied / Matthieu Salvaing  More