Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif is into the headlines after winning a bout against Italy boxer in just 46 seconds at the Paris Olympics 2024. The participation of the Algerian Boxer in Women’s Boxing 66kg category is creating a buzz and is trending on the internet.
The legitimacy of Paris Olympics 2024 is in question with the valid participation of Imane Khelif as a women boxer in the category of 66kg in quadrennial event, despite having XY chromosomes and failing to clear the gender quality test. The issue got highlighted as Imane Khelif appeared in the fight against Italy women boxer Angela Carini, who made up a heartbreaking decision to give up the fight in just 46 seconds, stating to preserve her life.
The main point of concern being the allowance of Imane Khelif in the Paris Olympics Games 2024 despite facing disqualification in 2023 championship pertaining to the gender eligibility issue.
Who is Imane Khelif?
Imane Khelif is a 25-year-old Algerian boxer who hails from Tiaret. She is currently assigned the position as the ambassador of UNICEF representing Algeria. Her father did not approve her as a women boxer, but Khelif was keen in her determination and prove herself setting an example for the coming generations aspiring to claim a gold medal at the world level.
Imane Khelif made her debut in sports as a professional boxer in World Championship 2019 where she finished at the 17th position with her hard efforts. She continued her journey and appeared again in WC 2019 where she stood 19th. Further she participated in Tokyo Olympics 2021, where faced a crushing defeat against a strong opponent Kellie Harrington in the quarter finals failing to claim a medal in Tokyo Olympics.
She was the finalist in Women’s World Boxing Championship and was defeated by an Irish Boxer in IBA Women World Boxing Championship held in 2022. She then went on to claim gold medals in African Championship 2022 and Mediterranean Games in the next year.
How was Imane Khelif involved in World Boxing Championship Controversy 2023?
The Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has always been into the gender controversy since it sparked in the World Championship in 2023 that was hosted in New Delhi, India, where she was barred from participating in the event after being identified to trick herself as a women with some athletes. IBA President Umar Kremlev stated that DNA tests were conducted where many athletes were found guilty claiming themselves as women despite having XY chromosomes that were detected in the test results, and all such athletes were barred from the event participation.
The Algerian Olympics Committee COA took the stand of their boxer Imane Khelif claiming her disqualification on medical grounds, whereas the Algerian media reported that she was barred from the event due to high testosterone levels. Imane was pretty disappointed on disqualification and commented that some countries were not happy with Algeria winning a gold medal and so started a conspiracy to prevent them for winning in world level games.
Imane Khelif Paris Olympics 2024 Controversy
In the women’s boxing match in Round of 16 between Imane Khelif and Angela Carini, the Italian boxer quit the game in 46 seconds as she felt that the opponent was a threat to her life. In the crucial fight on Thursday, 1st August, 2024, Angela Carini from Italy gave up after getting crunching blows from her opponent Imane Khelif from Algeria. The debate sparkled as she ran into tears and did not shake hands with her opponent finding it unjust allowing an individual with XY chromosome to participate in the women’s 66kg category in Paris Olympics.
The media alongside the sports lovers has condemned the participation of Imane Khelif in Paris Olympics 2024, who recently was disqualified from a high-level tournament after failing gender eligibility test that depicted the presence of XY chromosomes in the Algerian boxer.
What was the take of International Olympic Committee on this Paris Olympics gender controversy?
The IOC have made their stand clear supporting the Algerian boxer stating that she has total right to compete in Olympics in the category of 66kg women, as she had a women passport proving her as a female. They do not consider the decision taken by IBA as fair, and revoked the Olympic status of International Boxing Association headed by Umar Kremlev due to lack of financial transparency, corruptions, and irregular governance.
On the other hand, Prime Minsiter of Italy, Meloni, has come out in support of her boxer stating to protect the women rights by paying an attention to not discriminate. She added that it is to be ensured that the athletes are competing on an even platform by protecting their rights.
The Irish boxer who defeated Imane Khelif 5-0 in the light welterweight category at IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship held in 2022and is currently representing the Great Britain in Paris Olympics has handed her support to Imane who is attacked by media over her gender issue stating that it is not her fault as she was born that way. Further she reminded everyone of the fact that she was already defeated by 9 females in her prior matches. COA condemned baseless attacks on their boxer over her participation in Paris Olympi
