Algerian welterweight boxer Imane Khelif is set to compete for an Olympic gold medal on Friday after overcoming the controversy surrounding her eligibility.
Khelif secured a comprehensive victory in her semi-final against Janjaem Suwannapheng in Paris.
Khelif, one of two boxers in Paris despite her disqualification from last year’s World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to failed gender eligibility tests, delivered a dominant performance. Under the enthusiastic support of the crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier, a venue usually reserved for tennis, Khelif won by unanimous decision.
This victory propels her to her first Olympic final, a significant improvement from her quarter-final exit in Tokyo three years ago. She will face Liu Yang of China in the gold-medal bout, aiming to become Algeria’s first boxing gold medallist.
“I am focused,” the 25-year-old stated. “I am here for a good performance and my dream. I will give everything I have for the final.”
Khelif’s eligibility had previously come under scrutiny when she was disqualified by the IBA after winning against Suwannapheng at last year’s World Championships. Despite the controversy, the crowd fervently supported her as she entered the ring, boosting her confidence throughout the match. After her victory was confirmed, Khelif celebrated by dancing on the canvas and sharing a warm embrace with her opponent.
“I had heard about the news regarding her, but I wasn’t following it closely,” Suwannapheng commented. “She is a woman, but she is very strong. I tried to use my speed, but my opponent was just too strong.”
Khelif expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, “I am very happy. I am happy for all the support here in Paris. I want to thank all of the people of Algeria who came here.”
Khelif’s journey in the Games began with a quick victory against Angela Carini, who abandoned the fight after just 46 seconds, sparking debate over Khelif’s eligibility along with Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, who also faced disqualification by the IBA.
The IBA claimed Khelif “failed to meet the eligibility criteria for participating in the women’s competition, as set and laid out” in its regulations. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed her and Lin to compete, asserting that their disqualifications lacked due process.
IOC President Thomas Bach affirmed on Saturday that there was “never any doubt” they are women, and the IOC, which had suspended the IBA in 2019 over concerns about its governance and other issues, has strongly supported the athletes.
A chaotic IBA news conference on Monday failed to clarify the situation, with conflicting statements from key IBA figures. The IOC has maintained that competitors are eligible for the women’s division if their passports identify them as female.
With her bronze already secured by reaching the semi-final, Khelif now looks forward to competing in the final, the pinnacle of her sporting career so far.
Meanwhile, Lin Yu-ting will compete in her semi-final in the 57kg category on Wednesday.