Algerian boxer Imane Khelif triumphed at the Paris Olympics, capturing the gold medal in the women’s welterweight division with a decisive 5:0 victory over China’s Yang Liu. Khelif’s win, celebrated fervently by Algerian supporters waving flags and chanting her name at Roland Garros, marks a historic achievement as Algeria’s first gold in women’s boxing. Her victory comes amidst intense scrutiny and online abuse concerning her gender identity, fueling a broader debate on gender and sports.
The controversy surrounding Khelif intensified after the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified her and Taiwanese boxer Li Yu-ting from last year’s world championships, citing dubious eligibility tests. The International Olympic Committee’s ban on the IBA and its defense of Khelif against the criticisms has been a focal point of the debate, with IOC President Thomas Bach denouncing the attacks as “hate speech.”
Khelif’s performance in Paris, including a quick first-round victory over Italy’s Angela Carini, has solidified her status as one of the Olympics’ standout competitors. Despite the initial backlash, Khelif’s success has been embraced by her homeland, where her achievement has inspired national pride and resilience against the backdrop of international controversy.
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