Nadin Dawani appointed to IOC Athletes’ Commission

AMMAN — Three-time Olympic taekwondo star Nadin Dawani has been appointed to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes’ Commission by President Thomas Bach, according to the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service. 

The 28-year old was Jordan’s chef de mission at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games this summer, and is one of only four new non-IOC member representatives to be chosen. 

“Following their candidature for the elections of the IOC Athletes’ Commission during the Olympic Games Rio 2016, and in consultation with the chair Angela Ruggiero, the four athletes have been appointed by the IOC president as members of the IOC Athletes’ Commission,” the IOC said in a statement. 

Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal, Argentina’s NBA basketball star Luis Scola and Egyptian modern pentathlete Aya Medany were the other three appointed in order to ensure a “balance between regions, gender and sports”. 

“I am extremely proud to have been asked to take on this important position and honoured that President Bach has put his faith in me,” said Dawani.

“The Athletes’ Commission has a central role to play in the development of sport across the world and I look forward to starting work with my fellow athletes to make a real difference.”

“I would particularly like to thank HRH Prince Feisal [JOC president] who has provided such strong support to me.”

Dawani is one of Jordan’s most decorated athletes having won taekwondo titles throughout her distinguished career that saw her compete at the Athens, Beijing and finally the London Olympics where she carried the Jordan flag.

She became the first Jordanian Taekwondo player to be named Asian Champion after winning the gold medal at the 2012 Asian Taekwondo Championships in Vietnam. 

Dawani has been invited to attend the next meeting of the commission scheduled for November 6.

There are now six non-IOC representatives on the panel alongside 14 full members.