Amidst gender controversy, Imane Khelif secures a spot in the Olympic final and issues a defiant statement.
Imane Khelif, having secured at least a silver medal, made a bold statement after defeating her opponent, Yang Liu from China.
Imane Khelif takes a strong stand at the Paris Olympics
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has made a resounding statement in the midst of ongoing gender controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
After securing her place in the Women’s 66kg welterweight final, Khelif has guaranteed herself at least a silver medal.
She now has the opportunity to win gold if she defeats Yang Liu from China.
Khelif’s performance in the final will determine whether she can claim the top prize.
Imane Khelif makes a defiant statement after reaching the final.
Currently, Imane Khelif has advanced to the final after defeating Thai boxer Janjaem Suwannapheng.
On August 6, Khelif won her semi-final match against Thai boxer Janjaem Suwannapheng by unanimous decision.
Addressing the media post-match, Khelif delivered a defiant message aimed at her critics.
In the interview with the media, she said: “I don’t care what anyone is saying about me with the controversy.
“All that is important to me is that I stay on the level and give my people the performance they deserve. I know I’m a talented person and this is a gift to all Algerians.”
The atmosphere at Philippe-Chatrier Court at Roland Garros was electrifying. The crowd chanted Khelif’s name and waved Algerian flags enthusiastically. This display of support created a vibrant and uplifting environment for the boxer.
Khelif’s latest victory which help she advances to final, sparking controversy.
Khelif’s path to the finals has been marred by controversy. She was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to an unspecified gender eligibility test.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) claimed that Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting had XY chromosomes. They also suggested that a male biological profile. However, the IBA lost its Olympic credentials five years ago.
However, the Olympic Committee reaffirmed Khelif’s eligibility to compete, stating that “every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.”
Boxer Imane Khelif continues to receive support from the public and her family amid the gender controversy
The debate over Khelif’s gender began intensifying after she defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, leading Carini to retire early from the match. In response to the controversy, Khelif’s father, Omar Khelif, appeared on French TV station BFMTV with his daughter’s birth certificate, affirming her gender.
He 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.”
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 besfriend disrupts press press amid the Olympic boxing gender controversy.
The IBA’s Russian chief, Umar Kremlev, struggled with his translator, and the BBC eventually walked out in protest.
She said: ‘Every person portrayed like that would feel angry and frustrated,’ she said. ‘Imane is really strong. She’s my friend.
‘I want to support my country and the truth and my friend.’