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

    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

    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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    In Pics: From Kendall Jenner to Zayn Malik, celebrities in Miami for the F1 Grand Prix

    Emirates Man

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    The electrifying atmosphere of the 2024 F1 season descended upon Miami, Florida this past weekend, drawing a constellation of celebrities to the Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens.
    Among the star-studded attendees were NFL sensation Patrick Mahomes, musical maestros Ed Sheeran and Camila Cabello, supermodel Kendall Jenner, and actor Taylor Zakhar Perez from Red, White & Royal Blue.
    Blue blood Bollywood royalty, Ibrahim Ali Khan Pataudi, the newly appointed Puma brand ambassador was also seen rubbing shoulders with Charles Leclerc in Miami this weekend.
    The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly Lando Norris clinching his first Formula 1 race victory, breaking free from his previous record of most podium finishes without a win. This triumph marked a pivotal moment in Norris’s career, igniting celebrations amongst his fans and peers alike.
    The sidelines were abuzz with A-listers soaking in the adrenaline-fueled spectacle. Musical talents like Zayn Malik and Ed Sheeran added to the star power, while American athletes from various disciplines lent their star-power to the occasion.
    Take a look at all the celebrities who descended in Miami for the F1 Grand Prix:

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: @iakpataudi, @zayn, @tedddyphotos More

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    6 adrenaline-fuelled activities that Sheikh Hamdan has done

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is no amateur when it comes to extreme sports.
    By challenging the conventional norm, Fazza always takes a leap of faith and manages to outdo his previous activity.
    After digging through the archives, Emirates Woman takes a look at all the adrenaline-fuelled activities Dubai’s Crown Prince has taken part in through the years.
    Flying a motorised paraplane

    Known for his fine motor skills, Sheikh Hamdan shared a jaw-gripping video of himself flying a motorised paraplane which he smoothly maneuvers mid-air with the help of a parachute. In just about a few minutes of posting the video, it went viral and was shared on several social media platforms. After controlling it with ease, the aircraft is seen going several metres above the ground and he’s surely won the hearts of all his fans through his piloting skills, which is undoubtedly seen in this post.
    Riding on top of Ain Dubai

    The world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, opened in the emirate last month. Ahead of the official launch, Sheikh Hamdan perched himself on top of the wheel casually sipping a beverage. Showcasing the daredevil stunt, His Highness posted an impressive video on social media which, to date, has garnered over 10 million views.
    Taking a plunge in the world’s deepest pool

    Known as Deep Dive, this Dubai marvel holds an incredible 14 million litres of water and has a depth of 60 metres, making it the deepest pool in the world. head of the opening of the pool earlier this year, Sheikh Hamdan took his 12 million followers on Instagram on a tour of the latest attraction posting a video to the platform. “An entire world awaits you at Deep Dive Dubai the world’s deepest pool, with a depth of 60 meters (196 feet),” he said.
    Skydiving over Dubai

    As one of the most popular adrenaline junkie activities, it’s no surprise the Crown Prince is a keen fan of skydiving. In the video above, he’s seen jumping off a chopper with another member of the crew and is seen catapulting through the air down to the ground. Having complete grip over the parachute, he manages to make a smooth landing on the beach.
    Scaling the Burj Khalifa

    Ever wondered what the view is like from the world’s tallest building? Well, Sheikh Hamdan knows exactly what it looks like from up there and has previously shared it with his followers last year. Decked in his climbing gear, the Crown Prince took a snap of him standing on the tip of the spire while waving the UAE flag without the slightest hint of fear. Fazza had previously scaled the skyscraper back in 2013, in celebration of Dubai winning the bid to host Expo 2020.
    Showing off his flyboarding skills

    Back in 2019, pictures went viral of the Dubai Crown Prince as he showed the world his serious core strength through this extreme watersport activity – flyboarding. While it might look easy, this sport is quite dangerous and requires a varied skill set. Propelled by jet sprays, one can twirl, flip and soar through the air, which Sheikh Hamdan exactly did.
    As the extremely popular Instagram account continues to accumulate a loyal fan base, it’s always exciting to see which extreme sport is next in the pipeline.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Moroccan footballer makes history by wearing hijab at a World Cup

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    Nouhaila Benzina made history at the World Cup as the first woman to wear a hijab during a match.
    She joined the Moroccan national team for the second group stage match, playing a crucial role in the defense, and her milestone received global attention.
    FIFA’s previous ban on hijabs in tournaments makes this moment even more significant. Benzina proudly wears the hijab in both training and matches, acknowledging its importance.
    Recently, she expressed her immense pride for doing what she loves without compromising on her beliefs, “I am very proud to wear the hijab.”

    With her presence on the pitch, Morocco secured a vital 1-0 victory over South Korea, marking their first win at a Women’s World Cup. The team’s focus is now on advancing to the next round, with a closely contested match against Colombia for the second spot in the group standings. It’s noteworthy that Morocco is one of eight teams making their debut at this summer’s tournament.
    Morocco achieved an early breakthrough during the match with their first World Cup goal in the sixth minute, courtesy of striker Ibtissam Jraïdi. Hanane Aït El Haj provided a well-executed cross from the right, and Jraïdi skillfully headed the ball into the net at the far post.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Image: Instagram @benzinahouhaila More

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    6 adrenaline-fuelled activities that Sheikh Hamdan has ever done

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is no amateur when it comes to extreme sports.
    By challenging the conventional norm, Fazza always takes a leap of faith and manages to outdo his previous activity.
    After digging through the archives, Emirates Woman takes a look at all the adrenaline-fuelled activities Dubai’s Crown Prince has taken part in through the years.
    Flying a motorised paraplane

    Known for his fine motor skills, Sheikh Hamdan shared a jaw-gripping video of himself flying a motorised paraplane which he smoothly maneuvers mid-air with the help of a parachute. In just about a few minutes of posting the video, it went viral and was shared on several social media platforms. After controlling it with ease, the aircraft is seen going several metres above the ground and he’s surely won the hearts of all his fans through his piloting skills, which is undoubtedly seen in this post.
    Riding on top of Ain Dubai

    The world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, opened in the emirate last month. Ahead of the official launch, Sheikh Hamdan perched himself on top of the wheel casually sipping a beverage. Showcasing the daredevil stunt, His Highness posted an impressive video on social media which, to date, has garnered over 10 million views.
    Taking a plunge in the world’s deepest pool

    Known as Deep Dive, this Dubai marvel holds an incredible 14 million litres of water and has a depth of 60 metres, making it the deepest pool in the world. head of the opening of the pool earlier this year, Sheikh Hamdan took his 12 million followers on Instagram on a tour of the latest attraction posting a video to the platform. “An entire world awaits you at Deep Dive Dubai the world’s deepest pool, with a depth of 60 meters (196 feet),” he said.
    Skydiving over Dubai

    As one of the most popular adrenaline junkie activities, it’s no surprise the Crown Prince is a keen fan of skydiving. In the video above, he’s seen jumping off a chopper with another member of the crew and is seen catapulting through the air down to the ground. Having complete grip over the parachute, he manages to make a smooth landing on the beach.
    Scaling the Burj Khalifa

    Ever wondered what the view is like from the world’s tallest building? Well, Sheikh Hamdan knows exactly what it looks like from up there and has previously shared it with his followers last year. Decked in his climbing gear, the Crown Prince took a snap of him standing on the tip of the spire while waving the UAE flag without the slightest hint of fear. Fazza had previously scaled the skyscraper back in 2013, in celebration of Dubai winning the bid to host Expo 2020.
    Showing off his flyboarding skills

    Back in 2019, pictures went viral of the Dubai Crown Prince as he showed the world his serious core strength through this extreme watersport activity – flyboarding. While it might look easy, this sport is quite dangerous and requires a varied skill set. Propelled by jet sprays, one can twirl, flip and soar through the air, which Sheikh Hamdan exactly did.
    As the extremely popular Instagram account continues to accumulate a loyal fan base, it’s always exciting to see which extreme sport is next in the pipeline.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Are you game? Inside the new state-of-the-art sports centre in Downtown Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    A new state-of-the-art sports centre has just opened its doors right in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
    With an expansive space of over 80,000 sq ft, Ballers is an all-encompassing space aiming to attract like-minded individuals all with a similar passion for sport.
    Featuring top-tier professional football and rugby pitches, a boutique gym, a bespoke multipurpose studio and up to six padel courts, there’s no other centre like it in Dubai.

    With the growing padel tennis community in the UAE, this luxe new facility offers a state-of-the-art Padel Tennis Academy with both private and group coaching sessions. Members can opt for 60 minutes for an individual class and 90 minutes for a group class.
    For those who wish to unwind after a long day, there will be a host of meditation classes including yoga and rhythmic breathing sessions to improve daily concentration levels.
    To ensure athletes and members are offered the best facilities, each court uses Mondo artificial turf, created with non-toxic materials to enhance performance and control ball bounce. As the only certified ISO 9001 training facility, the football pitch features 20mm shock pads for a better playing experience and a cooler playing surface due to the EPDM infill.

    Access to the facilities such as the padel tennis courts for members start from Dhs450 for 90 minutes and for football 5-a-side starts for Dhs1,000 for groups. The sessions come with padel coaching for individuals or groups of up to four people.
    This all-in-one experience includes a plethora of sports including a place to dine, relax and unwind with friends and family, adding to its mission of enhancing Dubai’s sporting community.
    This sporting facility is open daily from 6am to 12am with an on-site car park for members’ ease and views surrounding Downtown Dubai.
    For more information visit ballers.ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More