Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein campaigns for IOC presidency, emphasizing royal dedication to service. He advocates sports as a peace tool, suggests flexible Olympic scheduling for the Middle East, and supports inclusivity rather than exclusion of countries like Israel. His positions on women’s sports and gender eligibility aim for fairness, while respecting national sovereignty.
Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan is campaigning to become the first president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from the Middle East. Over the past six months, he has engaged with IOC members, emphasizing his royal background as a service-oriented leader. Competing against six candidates, including prominent figures in athletics, he aims to secure the presidency in the upcoming vote in Greece.
His candidacy is significant in a geopolitical context, especially given the ongoing conflicts in the region. He highlights the role of sports as a medium for peace and healing, stating, “We’ve seen the power of sports in being able to heal particularly and to bring peace and unity to the world. It’s not going to solve wars, but it is a fantastic tool for healing.”
Looking ahead to the 2036 Summer Olympics, he suggests adapting the event’s timing to accommodate the climate in the Middle East. His proposal includes a more flexible schedule to allow countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have invested in sports infrastructure, to host the Games under better conditions.
Prince Feisal advocates for inclusion within the realm of sports, opposing any outright bans against Israel in Olympic events. He asserts, “I’m not for exclusion. I believe in inclusion… as long as there is no violation of the Olympic charter, then I have no reason to ban anybody.”
In the light of recent tensions in Gaza, he emphasizes the need to prioritize the desires of the Palestinian people over external decisions. He expresses a belief in peace through hope and fairness, stating, “Peace is not created by stopping wars… It’s created by building hope, a sense of justice, a sense of fairness.”
Prince Feisal also serves as the vice chair of the IOC’s gender, diversity, and inclusion commission. He advocates for women’s participation in sports in Afghanistan while acknowledging the complexities of sovereign decisions. He believes reforms should come from within the nation rather than external imposition.
Regarding upcoming gender eligibility rules for the LA 2028 Games, he calls for a scientific approach to ensure fairness in competitions, suggesting that each sport’s governing body should determine eligibility criteria rather than the IOC imposing blanket bans.
Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan aims to become the first IOC president from the Middle East, presenting a unique geopolitical context for his candidacy. He emphasizes sports as a healing tool, supports flexible Olympic scheduling for warmer climates, and promotes inclusivity. His stances on gender issues advocate for fair and safe participation without blanket bans, aligning with the principles of Olympism while respecting national sovereignty in matters such as women’s rights.
Original Source: news.sky.com
