Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif wins gold medal amid gender controversy

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif clinched the gold medal in the 66kg weight class at the Paris Summer Olympics on Friday, defeating China’s Yang Liu in the final bout. Khelif received a rapturous welcome from the crowd as she entered the ring at Roland Garros Stadium, with Algerian flags prominently displayed throughout the arena.

The first round saw both fighters start cautiously, but Khelif quickly gained the upper hand, winning the round unanimously. In the second round, Khelif landed a powerful punch that sent Yang reeling against the ropes. The enthusiastic crowd cheered Khelif on as she delivered a flurry of punches, securing another round on all judges’ scorecards.

With a commanding lead, Khelif maintained her aggressive stance in the final round, fending off Yang’s advances and showcasing her solid defense. After the final bell, the fighters embraced in a display of mutual respect. The crowd erupted in cheers as it was announced that Khelif had won the gold medal by unanimous decision.

“I’m very happy. For eight years, this has been my dream, and now I’m the Olympic champion and gold medallist,” Khelif said post-fight. “I’ve worked tirelessly for eight years. Now I’m Olympic champion.” She expressed gratitude to her supporters and her team, acknowledging their role in her achievement.

Following the announcement, Khelif performed her signature victory dance and posed for photographers before being carried off the ring on the shoulders of her trainer.

Khelif had attracted global attention earlier in the tournament after a swift victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini in just 46 seconds. This match sparked a wave of online abuse, with some transphobic commentators erroneously labeling Khelif as “a man” due to a now-discredited gender test conducted by a boxing federation previously stripped of its Olympic accreditation. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had assumed control of the sport for the 2024 Games and confirmed that Khelif met all eligibility criteria.

IOC President Thomas Bach addressed concerns about inclusion and safety, stating, “It is not as easy as some in this cultural war want to portray it. These two are women, and they have the right to participate in the women’s competition. And this has nothing to do with inclusion in any way.”

Earlier this week, Khelif urged people to adhere to Olympic principles and refrain from bullying athletes, emphasizing the detrimental impact such actions can have. “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind,” she said, reflecting on the challenges she faced following her match with Carini.