Saudi Athlete Dunya Abu Talib Qualifies for Olympics

Saudi athlete Dunya Abu Talib has made history by qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, being the first Saudi woman to earn a direct spot. She advanced to the quarter-finals in the Women's 49 kg taekwondo category by defeating Israel's Avishag Semberg 2-1 in a tightly contested match. Semberg, a bronze medalist from the Tokyo Games, may still have a chance to compete in a repechage round if Abu Talib progresses further. The match is particularly significant given the historical context of Saudi athletes' previous refusals to compete against Israeli opponents amidst ongoing political tensions. Abu Talib's journey in taekwondo began at a young age, inspired by her father, despite the challenges posed by societal norms in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi delegation in Paris includes nine athletes, with Abu Talib's achievement marking a significant milestone for women's sports in the kingdom.