PARIS, July 23: Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, participated in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will commence in Paris this Friday. The Olympic torch relay began on May 8 in Marseille and will travel through over 400 cities and towns across France. The relay features a distinguished group of sports and cultural figures, including the Prince and Princess of Monaco, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, and American actress Halle Berry.

In recognition of his contributions to French sports and the 2024 Summer Olympics, Al-Khelaifi carried the Olympic flame in Vigneaux-sur-Seine, on the outskirts of Paris. He carried the torch for 500 meters before passing it to Marie-Roland Pirrot, the 84-year-old former president of the Epinay Judo Club.

Al-Khelaifi, a former ATP tennis player and Chairman of the Board of Directors of beIN Media Group and Qatar Sports Investments, was warmly received by fans. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “Carrying the Olympic torch is a great honor, representing unity, friendship, and peace. As a Qatari, an Arab, and a Muslim in Paris, it is an indescribable feeling. This is an achievement for all Arabs, not just Qatar. I am grateful for this honor and have realized a childhood dream. As a former tennis player, I hope to see more dreams come true in the future.”

Al-Khelaifi carried the torch 27 kilometers south of Parc des Princes Stadium, the home of Paris Saint-Germain. The stadium will host ten football matches during the tournament, including the opening men’s match between Uzbekistan and Spain on Wednesday, August 7, and the men’s and women’s football finals on August 9 and 10, respectively.