The visitor commentator of the day is Hans-Christian Matthiesen, Danish vet and 5* decide. He’s additionally the president of the Worldwide Dressage Officers Membership (IDOC). Matthiesen reacts to the Eurodressage article “The 2024 World Cup finals in Riyadh: on human rights, sport and the boycott of smaller media.”
Sports activities and politics ought to go hand in hand
That is on the coronary heart of the three Olympic values – excellence, respect and friendship – and depends on the sporting group's potential to encourage individuals to be their finest; present respect for others and for your self; and have fun what unites them quite than what divides them.
Ethical barometer
After I was appointed to the put up on the FEI Dressage World Cup Finals in Riyadh, I felt proud and honored, as I at all times do when given the chance to provide one thing again to the game. Nonetheless, I spent just a few days considering earlier than accepting the appointment. And why was that?
Utilizing sport as a part of politics or technique can work each methods. I feel equestrian sport wants to lift consciousness of a few of its core values: whether or not it's gender equality or animal welfare normally.
“Mild Energy”
Sport can be utilized to realize “gentle energy” and affect or to divert consideration. I've learn quite a bit about it and seen just a few interviews. It’s comprehensible {that a} nation like Saudi Arabia needs to alter its economic system from being based on oil and fuel to integrating extra tourism by way of cultural and heritage experiences and main sporting occasions. This requires a whole lot of funding.
Likewise, worldwide sports activities federations should dedicate themselves to monitoring and guaranteeing that these investments profit the game itself and the individuals round it. Quick-term investments should not sufficient, regardless that the development of a brand new sports activities advanced could seem to be an enormous and everlasting factor. Lengthy-term modifications must be seen when it comes to gender equality and sustainability, openness and transparency, though this takes time, as with every social or cultural change. And never solely cash, but additionally the willingness to cooperate with worldwide sports activities organizations in an effort to create a greater sport and thus a greater understanding for different values.
Social cohesion in sport
Sport performs an essential position in our social cohesion – 12 nations are represented among the many 17 members participating within the remaining and I’ve determined to just accept the appointment as a result of I consider in sport and its alternatives to create new understanding. I do know others consider in boycott or isolation, however on this case I select to consider in cooperation, training and consciousness.
Criticism of evaluation
The World Cup competitors itself might be very fascinating from the referees' viewpoint. It gained't be a simple process, however I by no means suppose judging is straightforward! Regardless of all the eye and criticism in the direction of the referees, I really feel the strain like by no means earlier than. That is simply me being human.
Sports activities are crying out for change. This gained't occur in a single day, however I consider there’s a “new starting”. We’ll do our greatest: return to the fundamentals and be stricter on some issues (concord, body, contact, and so on.). I do know for myself that I’ll attempt to keep very centered on the “ball in play” as an alternative of stressing out. However that’s generally an achievement in itself.
— Hans-Christian Matthiesen
associated hyperlinks
2024 World Cup finals Riyadh: on human rights, sportswashing and a minor media boycott
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