The sports scene in Saudi Arabia is witnessing radical transformations and qualitative leaps, where women's presence is no longer limited to timid participation or cheering, but has expanded to become a fundamental pillar in the integrated sports system. The experience of the young Saudi woman, Jumana Al-Mutairi, as one of the inspiring examples that embody this transformation, moving skillfully from the podiums of victory as an athlete to the backrooms of administration and organization as an active member of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
From the field to match management
Jumana Al-Mutairi currently holds a vital position as an accredited match coordinator with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in the Madinah and Jeddah regions. Her duties extend beyond mere attendance; she is involved in processes requiring high precision and meticulous organization, including continuous coordination between participating teams and organizing committees to ensure competitions proceed according to established rules and regulations. This role reflects the growing confidence in the capabilities of Saudi women to manage the sports scene.
The story of the beginning: From chance to the podium
Al-Mutairi's path wasn't paved with pre-planned strategies. In an interview with the media, she revealed that her entry into the world of athletics, specifically the javelin throw, was purely by chance. She began by supervising the athletics team and organizing its training sessions, but shortly before a championship, she decided to take the plunge and register as an athlete. This bold move later led her to achieve second place in the Saudi Universities Sports Federation Athletics Championship, achieving competitive results that placed her among the elite.
The context of transformation and women's empowerment in Vision 2030
Jumana Al-Mutairi's journey cannot be understood in isolation from the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which has prioritized women's empowerment across all sectors, including sports. Recent years have witnessed the establishment of official women's leagues, women's participation on the boards of sports federations, and their involvement in refereeing and organization. Al-Mutairi's story reflects this positive environment, enabling Saudi women to transition from sports as a hobby to professional administrative and technical roles, thus strengthening the Kingdom's soft power and underscoring the leadership capabilities of women.
Academic qualification: the cornerstone
What distinguishes Jumana's experience is its solid scientific foundation. She didn't rely solely on innate talent, but honed it through academic study in the Department of Sports Science and Physical Activity at Taibah University. This combination of practical experience and academic achievement helped shape her understanding of the nature of sports work and its professional requirements, making her transition from player to administrator a well-considered and successful step.
Awards and future aspirations
In addition to her administrative and athletic excellence, Al-Mutairi won the Best Photo Award for her favorite sport and the "You Excelled" Award, reflecting her diverse talents. She believes that women's sports today have moved beyond the foundational stage to one of empowerment and influence, affirming her determination to continue on this path to contribute to building a conscious generation of athletes capable of competing and representing the Kingdom in international arenas, both on the field and in the sports management offices.
