Razan Baker Saudi Gazette LONDON — Exactly like in Beijing last time, this year also Saudi squad is participating in five disciplines in the London Games 2012. But, for the first time, two women athletes are part of the 22-member Saudi entourage in judo, weightlifting, shooting, athletics and equestrian events. In this 30th version of the Olympics, Saudi women have stepped in strongly. Saudi Arabia was one of three countries alongside Brunei and Qatar to have never sent women athletes to the Olympics. This year is an exception. The boxing event too has the participation of women for the first time to offer equal opportunities to both sexes in all the disciplines at the games. As a beginning, although Saudi Arabia chose to participate in games not compromising with the Islamic dress code, Kuwaiti women are participating in the swimming competition. Though several Gulf youth in London regard the development as not a revolution, they all agreed that their countries are moving forward. They are doing it their own way and slowly and this should be respected, they opine. “As long as we are reaching our goals, and succeeding in it, how and when should be left to us," said an Arab student here. “It is always good though to have options and opportunities like the invitations given to the two Saudi females." There was a long debate on whether Saudi teams would be banned from participating due to the fact no female managed to qualify along their male counterparts and Saudi Arabia was accused of discrimination in sports. Earlier, all eyes were on Dalma Malhas, the Saudi female equestrian and the 2010 Singapore youth Olympics bronze medalist in the show jumping event. However, the International Equestrian Federation ruled her out due to her horse injury. Regardless, and after many warnings and discussions between the Saudi side and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), two females showed up to rescue their nation's participation: They were 19-year-old Sarah Attar in the 800 meters, and Wojdan Shahrkhani, 16, who is competing in the 78-kg weight category in judo. The Saudi squad begins its journey Saturday seeking medals pinning big hopes on their male judoka Eisa Majrashi, 26, who will compete against Raul Lall from Guyana in the 64 elimination round. Wojdan will be pitted against 28-year-old Puerto Rican Melissa Mojica in the 80+ kg weight category on Aug. 3. Shooting events will kick off on July 30, and 31 with the participation of Majid Altamimi in the men's skeet event. From Aug. 3 to 11 the athletics competitions run with the participation of 10 men and one woman. And finally from Aug. 4 to 8 the equestrian completion will feature the participation of Prince Abdullah Bin Al Saud, Ramzy Al-Duhami, Kamal Bahmdan, and Abdullah Sharbatly.
