Arab Badminton Gets First Female Saudi Chief

In a historic milestone 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 represents a major step forward for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Arab sporting community.

Election Details

• Event: Arab Badminton Federation General Assembly

• Date: April 25, 2025

• Location: Held alongside the Badminton World Federation’s Annual Congress in China

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

This victory marks the first time in history that a Saudi woman has assumed leadership of a major regional sports federation.

Leadership Transition and Structure

• 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)

Al-Rasheed succeeds Sawsan Hajji Taqawi, who had led the federation since 2018, marking a new era of progressive leadership.

About the Arab Badminton Federation

• Established: 1996 in Cairo, Egypt

• Mission: To promote and develop badminton throughout Arab countries

• Key Activities: Hosting regional tournaments, providing coaching programs, and collaborating with global badminton organizations

A Step Forward for Gender Equality

Mai bint Ubaid Al-Rasheed’s appointment reflects a growing movement across the Arab world to empower women in leadership rolesespecially within traditionally male-dominated arenas. Her leadership symbolizes:

• Progressive representation for women in sports governance

• Expanded opportunities for female athletes and administrators

• Enhanced visibility of Arab women on international platforms

Her election also underscores Saudi Arabia’s increasing commitment to female inclusion in sports, aligning with the country’s broader Vision 2030 goals for social and economic transformation.

Future Outlook

Under Al-Rasheed’s presidency, the ABF is expected to:

• Launch grassroots development programs to nurture young badminton talent

• Advocate for greater funding and support for women’s teams

• Build stronger ties with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and regional sports councils

• Promote inclusive policies ensuring equal opportunities for both men and women

Her leadership is likely to shape a new chapter of growth, excellence, and inclusivity for badminton across the Arab world.

Conclusion

The election of Mai bint Ubaid Al-Rasheed as the first female president of the Arab Badminton Federation is a landmark achievement that signals a cultural and institutional shift toward gender parity in sports leadership. As she takes the helm, her tenure is poised to foster collaboration, inspire the next generation of athletes, and strengthen the Arab region’s presence on the global badminton stage.

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