The champion boxer, Imane Khelif, celebrated her victory in Algeria amid controversy.
After winning gold at the Paris Olympics, Imane Khelif was welcomed in her hometown
Previously, Imane Khelif faced criticism after winning a gold medal.
Khelif’s Olympic journey was not without its challenges.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) had previously disqualified her from the World Boxing Championships, citing the detection of male XY chromosomes during testing.
However, both the Olympics and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting allowed her to compete based on their passports, which identified them as female.
Despite being criticized, Khelif, who failed the eligibility test, won the gold medal, shocking onlookers.
Imane Khelif celebrates her triumph in her hometown.
Imane Khelif, Algeria’s Olympic gold medalist, received a hero’s welcome as she paraded through her hometown. The champion was seen basking in the adoration of her supporters.
The bus parade celebrated her victory in the women’s welterweight category at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It drew thousands of fans who crowded the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the champion.
As Khelif’s bus made its way through the packed streets, the crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable.
The bus slowed to a crawl as fans, armed with mobile phones, eagerly snapped photos of the boxer, who proudly displayed her gold medal.
The celebration marked a high point in Khelif’s career, despite the controversy that had marred her participation in the Games.
Imane Kheli also shared her emotional statement
Sharing the joyous moments of her parade on Instagram, Khelif expressed her deep gratitude.
“The height of pride and honor is in representing your country and raising its flag high,”
she wrote. “It is an even greater joy to share that pride with your family, loved ones, and community. The warm welcome I received in the streets of Tiaret and Biban Misbah, and the overwhelming feelings of love and support, will stay in my heart forever. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. Thank you, Tiaret, Algeria, all Arabs, and to everyone who supported me and stood by me. The future is bright, inshallah. With love, your daughter, Imane Khelif.”
Khelif’s return to Algeria on June 12 was met with an initial outpouring of support at the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers.
There, she proudly presented her gold medal.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Khelif’s achievements have been recognized at the highest levels.
On June 15, she received a significant honor from President Tebboune at the presidential palace in Algiers.
The president expressed his personal interest in her case, vowing, “We will not give up on our rights.”
The champion boxer also hit back with a defiant stand
Khelif’s arrival in her hometown of Tiaret on June 16 sparked further celebrations.
However, the boxer remained resolute in addressing the controversies surrounding her gender.
In a defiant statement, she declared, “I am fully qualified and a woman like any other woman.”
The boxer said that she was born a woman and lived as a woman.
She added: ” [The detractors] are enemies of success, that is what I call them. And that also gives my success a special taste because of these attacks.”
Ongoing legal Battles and public discourse
Khelif’s victory has not silenced her critics.
Public figures such as JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump have weighed in on the controversy, sparking further debate.
In response, Khelif’s Paris-based attorney, Nabil Boudi, has filed a lawsuit with French authorities regarding the online comments about her gender.
Despite these challenges, Khelif remains focused on celebrating her achievements and continuing her career.