'Success for all Arabs': PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi takes part in the Olympic torch relay in Paris ahead of the opening ceremony
PARIS: Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, took part in the Olympic torch relay on Monday afternoon ahead of Friday's opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
The torch relay passes through more than 400 towns and cities across France and its overseas territories, with the help of a host of famous figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment and culture, including Prince and Princess of Monaco, Formula 1 driver Charles. Leclerc and Hollywood actress Halle Berry.
In recognition of Al-Khelaifi's contribution to French sport and the upcoming competition, the International Olympic Committee offered the president of PSG the opportunity to collect the Olympic torch in Vigneux-sur-Seine, in the southern suburbs of the French capital, where he carried it almost 500 meters before handing it over to 84-year-old Marie-Rolande Biro, former head of the Epinay judo club.
Al-Khelaifi, a former ATP tennis player from Qatar who is now also chairman of beIN Media Group and Qatar Sports Investments, was greeted on the street by crowds of fans cheering and calling his name. After posing for photos and interacting with supporters, he spoke about how sport has influenced his life and work ethos and helped him connect with people from all walks of life.
“It was an immense honor to carry the Olympic torch and flame from Paris 2024, representing such powerful symbols of unity, friendship and peace,” he said. “It is an indescribable feeling to wear it as a Qatari, an Arab and a Muslim in the French capital of Paris. It is an achievement for all Arabs, not only for the State of Qatar, and I thank God for this honor. When I was an athlete and played tennis, I always had this dream. Today, that dream has come true.”
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, takes part in the Olympic torch relay on Monday afternoon. (Supplied)
Al-Khelaifi carried the torch along Avenue Henri Barbusse, about 27km south of the Parc des Princes, home of PSG. The club's landmark stadium will host 10 football matches during the Games, including the first leg of Paris 2024 this Wednesday, the men's tie between Uzbekistan and Spain, as well as the men's and women's finals on August 9 and 10 respectively.
“Paris Saint-Germain is so proud to have 26 of our sportsmen and women – across men's and women's football, handball and judo – competing at the Games and we look forward to a spectacular sporting spectacle in our home city of Paris,” added Al-Khelaifi. “It is an honor for Paris Saint-Germain, for me personally, for all members of the club and for the State of Qatar.”
Qatar is taking a delegation of 14 athletes to Paris 2024, including Mutaz Barshim, who is considered one of the best high jumpers of all time after securing gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games and silver at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics , as well as a weightlifter. Fares Ibrahim Hassouna, who also won gold in Tokyo.
PSG, meanwhile, has had representatives competing in Olympic sports for 40 years. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the French club celebrated 15 Olympic and four Paralympic medalists. This year, in addition to the 26 athletes, more than 70 staff are also assisting in various capacities in event management, operations and technical support.
The 2024 Olympics will begin on 26 July, preceded by the football and rugby sevens qualifiers, which begin on 24 July. The closing ceremony on August 11 will mark the end of the quadrennial.
