Arab Badminton Gets First Female Saudi Chief

In a groundbreaking development for women's leadership in sports, Mai bint Ubaid Al-Rasheed has been elected as the first female president of the Arab Badminton Federation (ABF). Her election marks a significant milestone in the advancement of gender equality within the Arab sports community.​

• Event: Arab Badminton Federation General Assembly

• Location: Held alongside the Badminton World Federation's annual congress in China

• Date: April 25, 2025

• Result: Mai bint Ubaid Al-Rasheed secured 10 votes, defeating Iraqi candidate Fann Shawqi Youssef by a margin of two votes

• Historic Achievement: First Saudi woman to lead the Arab Badminton Federation

• Gender Equality: Represents a progressive step towards increased female representation in regional sports leadership

• Leadership Transition: Succeeds Sawsan Hajji Taqawi, who served as ABF president since 2018

• President: Mai bint Ubaid Al-Rasheed (Saudi Arabia)

• Secretary-General: Yazeed Al-Massoud (Saudi Arabia)

• Committee Members:

  • Tabash Al-Jilali (Algeria)

  • Iyad Mahmoud (Syria)

  • Samir Shaghouri (Lebanon)

  • Yaqoub Al-Issa (Palestine)

• Established: 1996 in Cairo, Egypt

• Mission: To promote and develop the sport of badminton across Arab countries

• Activities: Organizes regional tournaments, training programs, and collaborates with international badminton organizations

• Empowerment: Mai's election serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to leadership roles in sports

• Visibility: Highlights the growing presence and influence of women in traditionally male-dominated arenas

• Policy Influence: Potential to advocate for increased support and resources for women's badminton programs

• Development Programs: Implementation of grassroots initiatives to nurture young talent

• International Collaboration: Strengthening ties with global badminton bodies to enhance the region's competitive edge

• Inclusivity: Promoting equal opportunities for women and men in all aspects of the sport​

Mai bint Ubaid Al-Rasheed's election as the first female president of the Arab Badminton Federation is a landmark achievement that reflects the evolving landscape of sports leadership in the Arab world. Her tenure is anticipated to bring about positive changes, fostering growth, inclusivity, and excellence in badminton across the region.​