03:36Mandatory credit: IOC; News use only; Content may only be used for up to 30 days following live broadcast
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach stated that to 'safeguard the credibility' of the organisation he should not have his mandate in the office extended beyond the term limits, speaking at the 142nd IOC session in Paris, Saturday.
"I am not the best captain. New times are calling for new leaders. I know that with this decision, I'm disappointing many of you. I can only plead to you to respect that I'm deeply convinced this to be in the best interest of our beloved Olympic movement," he declared, emotionally.
Bach claimed that the IOC has to "adapt to this new emerging world order by embracing a trustful dialogue with the established and the rising political powers" and be a 'truly global organisation' in the world of Global South and Global North.
Bach, who has been in the position since 2013, disclosed that IOC presidential elections will be held next March, and his replacement will assume office in June.
Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC member, during the session, commented on the ongoing issue of Imane Khelif, a 25-year-old boxer who appeared in the gender test scandal against the backdrop of a dispute between the IOC and the International Boxing Federation (IBA).
"From my point of view, the facts are clear. Imane Khelif is a woman. She was born a girl and has lived her entire life as a female," proclaimed Al-Saud.
"However, despite this joint statement, there has been continuous misreporting based on incorrect information that has caused immeasurable pain. And this is not only unacceptable, but it's absolutely heartbreaking," she continued.
The dispute reportedly originated with Khelif's exclusion from the world championships, which were held in New Delhi in March 2023, on the grounds that the Algerian athlete had failed a gender test, according to the IBA.
On August 3, IBA President Umar Kremlev called Khelif's participation at the Olympic Games 'unacceptable' due to the test results from last March.
In response to those comments, the Algerian Olympic Committee filed a formal complaint with the IOC against Khelif's public harassment, calling the attacks 'deeply unfair'.
'New times calling for new leaders' - Tearful Bach quits, says IOC must adapt to 'influential' Global South
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach stated that to 'safeguard the credibility' of the organisation he should not have his mandate in the office extended beyond the term limits, speaking at the 142nd IOC session in Paris, Saturday.
"I am not the best captain. New times are calling for new leaders. I know that with this decision, I'm disappointing many of you. I can only plead to you to respect that I'm deeply convinced this to be in the best interest of our beloved Olympic movement," he declared, emotionally.
Bach claimed that the IOC has to "adapt to this new emerging world order by embracing a trustful dialogue with the established and the rising political powers" and be a 'truly global organisation' in the world of Global South and Global North.
Bach, who has been in the position since 2013, disclosed that IOC presidential elections will be held next March, and his replacement will assume office in June.
Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC member, during the session, commented on the ongoing issue of Imane Khelif, a 25-year-old boxer who appeared in the gender test scandal against the backdrop of a dispute between the IOC and the International Boxing Federation (IBA).
"From my point of view, the facts are clear. Imane Khelif is a woman. She was born a girl and has lived her entire life as a female," proclaimed Al-Saud.
"However, despite this joint statement, there has been continuous misreporting based on incorrect information that has caused immeasurable pain. And this is not only unacceptable, but it's absolutely heartbreaking," she continued.
The dispute reportedly originated with Khelif's exclusion from the world championships, which were held in New Delhi in March 2023, on the grounds that the Algerian athlete had failed a gender test, according to the IBA.
On August 3, IBA President Umar Kremlev called Khelif's participation at the Olympic Games 'unacceptable' due to the test results from last March.
In response to those comments, the Algerian Olympic Committee filed a formal complaint with the IOC against Khelif's public harassment, calling the attacks 'deeply unfair'.
Mandatory credit: IOC; News use only; Content may only be used for up to 30 days following live broadcast
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach stated that to 'safeguard the credibility' of the organisation he should not have his mandate in the office extended beyond the term limits, speaking at the 142nd IOC session in Paris, Saturday.
"I am not the best captain. New times are calling for new leaders. I know that with this decision, I'm disappointing many of you. I can only plead to you to respect that I'm deeply convinced this to be in the best interest of our beloved Olympic movement," he declared, emotionally.
Bach claimed that the IOC has to "adapt to this new emerging world order by embracing a trustful dialogue with the established and the rising political powers" and be a 'truly global organisation' in the world of Global South and Global North.
Bach, who has been in the position since 2013, disclosed that IOC presidential elections will be held next March, and his replacement will assume office in June.
Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC member, during the session, commented on the ongoing issue of Imane Khelif, a 25-year-old boxer who appeared in the gender test scandal against the backdrop of a dispute between the IOC and the International Boxing Federation (IBA).
"From my point of view, the facts are clear. Imane Khelif is a woman. She was born a girl and has lived her entire life as a female," proclaimed Al-Saud.
"However, despite this joint statement, there has been continuous misreporting based on incorrect information that has caused immeasurable pain. And this is not only unacceptable, but it's absolutely heartbreaking," she continued.
The dispute reportedly originated with Khelif's exclusion from the world championships, which were held in New Delhi in March 2023, on the grounds that the Algerian athlete had failed a gender test, according to the IBA.
On August 3, IBA President Umar Kremlev called Khelif's participation at the Olympic Games 'unacceptable' due to the test results from last March.
In response to those comments, the Algerian Olympic Committee filed a formal complaint with the IOC against Khelif's public harassment, calling the attacks 'deeply unfair'.