Abu Dhabi: A day after the world marked International Women's Day, the first Arab and Muslim woman to win an Olympic gold medal said the future of international sport belongs to women from the region.
Nawal Al Moutawakel, a Moroccan hurdler, who won the inaugural women's 400m hurdles event at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, was in Abu Dhabi for the Laureus World Sports Awards.
"I am sure, definitely sure the future belongs to women from this country, from this region, it belongs to women," she said.
"The days when I competed in the early 80s and now, it is day and night. The participation of Arab women, Muslim women in the arena of international sport is changing. I can confirm that the difference is so huge you will not even be able to imagine it," said the Moroccan, whose win changed the face of Arab women in the sporting world.
Al Moutawakel, who is an active member of the International Olympic Committee, said: "You will see more women presidents from the region head international organisations. Like Princess Haya Bint Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who is head of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). This is unique, have you ever seen an Arab woman or a Muslim woman head such an important international sports organisation?"
Great potential
"I was the only Muslim and Arab in the L.A. Olympics. It was a unique experience. Right after that we saw Hassiba Boulmerka of Algeria, Ghada Shouaa of Syria and many more winning medals at the highest level. That shows there is a great potential in this region," said Al Moutawakel, after whom all girls born in Morocco on the day she won the gold medal were named.
"The future belongs to women from the region. Women are there. We just need to give them a little push. Now things have changed, there is internal conflict, there is a resistance, it is not easy for women to get a red carpet, it is so difficult and I know when I speak about this," she said.
"My event was 400 metres hurdles with many barriers, ups and downs, not flat and smooth so women have to fight for their rights."
"But like I always say, it is like when there is turbulence in the air, the landing is smooth. The future belongs to women from this region," said the former Olympic champion.
