‘I am a woman’, Imane Khelif declared to reporters in Paris. These were her only comments amid the gender eligibility controversy.
Imane Khelif, a 25-year-old boxer, has recently made headlines with her emotional statement, “I am a woman,” following her medal-clinching victory at the Paris Olympics.
This declaration comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding her failed gender test and her victory in the match, which lasted only 46 seconds.
Imane Khelif faced controversy win after failing the gender test.
Imane Khelif faced a significant challenge when she was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi.
The disqualification was due to her failure to meet the gender eligibility criteria. These criteria were established by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
However, Khelif was cleared to compete in the women’s boxing category at the Paris Olympics.
In a recent round of 16 match against Italy’s Angela Carini, Khelif’s opponent withdrew after only 46 seconds, citing pain and discomfort.
Khelif faced criticism after beating Angela Carini for only 46 seconds in the match.
After losing, Italian boxer Angela Carini, who initially contested Khelif’s inclusion, halted their fight.
However, she expressed her respect for the IOC’s decision, despite her personal reservations.
Carini told the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, “I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”
Imane Khelif breaks silence amid criticism
In her latest interview with Paris reporters, Imane Khelif opened up about the controversial 46-second match with Angela Carini.
After the fight, the Algerian appeared emotional, draped in her native flag, while addressing the global media. Imane Khelif briefly addressed the controversy surrounding her participation in the Olympic Games.
“I dedicate this medal to the world, and to all the Arabs and I tell you, ‘Long live Algeria!’” ” she told reporters after the fight.
“I want to tell the entire world that I am a female, and I will remain a female,” the boxer added.
As there is no third-place match in boxing, Khelif is assured at least a bronze medal.
However, her journey to Olympic success now remains controversial among viewers.
Previously, Imane Khelif’s father defends daughter amid gender controversy
In a recent statement, Imane Khelif’s father expressed his frustration, saying, “The attacks against her are immoral, it is not fair. Imane has loved sports since she was six years old. These critics aim to destabilize her and prevent her from becoming the champion she aspires to be.”
Her father has publicly defended her amid the gender controversy.
He urged his daughter to prove her critics wrong and to bring honor to Algeria and the Arab world. “I hope she will honor Algeria and Tiaret and win the gold medal. She is our role model,” he added.
Additionally, Imane Khelif’s father expressed frustration over the attacks.
He is calling for support for his daughter’s Olympic aspirations. He confirmed that his daughter was born female.This document was intended to affirm her gender and counteract the controversy surrounding her participation.