The Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation's initiative to organise a special 1-star coaching course for women was supported by the International Boxing Association (IBA). The course, which started on 18 May and ended on 24 May, was held in Riyadh the country's capital.

Said course brought together 38 female boxing coaches from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Eritrea, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Palestine under the expert guidance of IBA Coaches Committee Vice-Chair Nadia Abdelhameed Mohamed from Egypt.

The students received theoretical instruction and participated in practical exercises followed by examinations. In order to implement what they had learned, they were given knowledge and practices. Those who pass the exam will receive the IBA 1-Star Coaching Certification.

IBA Secretary General and CEO, Chris Roberts OBE, emphasised the IBA's interest in education. "The IBA is committed to gender equality and offering Muslim women the opportunity to take part in a coaching course exclusively for them is an excellent demonstration of our commitment to the needs of our community. I am delighted that our extensive network of certified coaches is growing to include these remarkable women from Arab countries. They are eager to gain new insights. I look forward to seeing them at future IBA competitions," he said.

Nadia Abdelhameed Mohamed expressed her gratitude for the high standard of the course participants. "I am deeply grateful to the IBA for providing such an incredible opportunity for female Arab Muslim boxing coaches. Many of these women hold degrees from prestigious universities and are active boxers in various countries.

"The participants demonstrated an impressive level of technique and knowledge. I was truly amazed. I look forward to presenting them with their well-deserved certificates. This will be their first step within the IBA coaching system," said the course director.

The IBA is committed to its road map, which includes the training of all its members in the field of boxing. The IBA's desire is to increase the professionalism of people and resources. The beneficiaries, the athletes, will reap the benefits. 

In July, during the Oceania Junior and Youth Boxing Championships in Tahiti, training courses will also be held. This is where the competition will be organised with the financial support of the IBA. The IBA 1-2 Star R&J course will also be held there.

Later, the IBA plans to organise another R&J course, but at a higher level. This will take place in 2024. It will coincide with the OCBC Elite Championships, which will be held in Fiji in November.