Mai Bint Ubaid Al-Rasheed has made history by becoming the first Saudi woman to lead the Arab Badminton Federation (ABF). She won the position by just two votes over her Iraqi competitor during the general assembly, which was held alongside the Badminton World Federation Congress in China.
This election is a significant achievement for Saudi women in the realm of regional sports leadership. Mai takes over the role from Sawsan Hajji Taqawi, who had served as the head of the ABF since 2018. Mai’s victory represents a major step forward in promoting gender inclusion in the Arab sports community, as it showcases the increasing involvement of women in leadership positions within sports organizations.
Her appointment as president of the ABF comes at a time when the organization is focused on fostering collaboration among Arab countries and growing the sport of badminton in the region. Under her leadership, the ABF aims to strengthen regional ties and advance the development of badminton not just in the Arab world, but on a global scale.
The Arab Badminton Federation has welcomed the new leadership, emphasizing the importance of her role in promoting the sport and creating more opportunities for Arab countries to participate and excel in badminton. With her extensive experience and dedication to the sport, Mai Bint Ubaid Al-Rasheed is expected to drive progress and inspire future generations of athletes, particularly women, to pursue leadership roles in sports.
This milestone is a positive step for the Arab world, where women are increasingly making their mark in various fields, including sports leadership, and challenging traditional gender roles.
