Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, April 14, 2025: The Asian winner of the IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Champions 2024 received her award at the opening ceremony of the second OCA Gender Equity Seminar in Brunei on Monday.
Dunya Abutaleb is a taekwondo Olympian, the first Saudi woman to qualify for Olympic Games on her own merit.
She received her champions award from OCA Gender Equity Committee Chair Valerie Tarazi and HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, IOC Executive Board member and President of the Jordan Olympic Committee.
Dunya thanked the OCA and IOC for the recognition, and also for the support of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and IOC Member HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud.
“I am proud to represent the transformation of Saudi Arabia, and thank you to our leaders, coaches and everyone who has supported my taekwondo journey,” Dunya said.
In announcing the awards on March 8, International Women’s Day, the IOC described Dunya as a “resilient and hardworking athlete” who had overcome adversity to qualify for Paris 2024.
“Dunya began practising taekwondo at the age of 8 during a time when opportunities for girls in sport were limited in Saudi Arabia,” the IOC said.
“She overcame societal barriers and demonstrated that obstacles to participating in sport can be overcome with perseverance. She became a visible role model, inspiring many young Saudi women and girls to engage in physical activity.”
As well as promoting women in sport through the mainstream media, Dunya has also graced the cover of Vogue Arabia twice, further elevating the visibility and representation of women in sport.
“Dunya has redefined the narrative around women in sport by presenting herself as a strong and capable athlete, countering stereotypes and empowering women and girls to see themselves as equally deserving of representation in competitive sports,” the IOC added.
