Dunya Abutaleb Qualifies for 2024 Paris Olympics Taekwondo Competition

Saudi Taekwondo champion Dunya Abutaleb has emerged victorious in her fight to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her the first Saudi woman and the fourth Saudi National to qualify for the prestigious event.

Abutaleb secured her place in the Olympics through her strong showing at the Asian Olympic qualifying tournaments. Abutaleb won the semifinals round in her class, which solidified her place in the taekwondo competitions during the 2024 games.

Abutaleb has been paving the way for Saudi women. When she first started to train for the sport, there were no female gyms for her in the Kingdom. Her brother’s coach, who recognized Abutaleb’s talent, trained her in private sessions at home. Now, as the Saudi Team’s first female player, she spars exclusively with men. 

Three Saudi men have also earned their spot in the international competition, as the nation secures the first two available team spots in the Olympics’ equestrian division.