Algerian boxer Imane Khelif wins gold at Paris Olympics amid gender controversy | Paris Olympics 2024 News – Times of India

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won gold in the women’s 66kg final at the Paris Olympics on Friday, overcoming the gender controversy. She triumphed over China’s Yang Liu, securing a unanimous points decision and becoming one of the most controversial and successful athletes at the Games.
At 25, Khelif achieved a dream she had been pursuing for eight years.After her win, she was hoisted onto the shoulders of a team member, celebrating her country’s second gold medal in Paris.
“I’m very happy. For eight years this has been my dream, and I’m now the Olympic champion and gold medallist,” Khelif said, reflecting on her journey of hard work and dedication.
Khelif’s victory comes against a backdrop of controversy over gender eligibility. Both she and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from last year’s World Championships after failing gender eligibility tests. Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cleared them to compete in Paris. The controversy rekindled when Khelif convincingly defeated Italy’s Angela Carini in her opening bout.

Standing at 1.79 meters (5ft 9in), Khelif utilized her height and strength to her advantage throughout the competition. In the final match, she dominated Yang Liu, a former world champion, by controlling the pace and delivering powerful punches from the center of the ring.
Criticism also came from the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA). Its president, Umar Kremlev, questioned the gender eligibility of both Khelif and Lin. However, IOC president Thomas Bach defended the athletes. “They were born and raised as women, with official documentation to prove it,” Bach stated, supporting their right to compete.
Khelif’s gold medal performance has made her a symbol of resilience, celebrated by many, including a large Algerian contingent at the 15,000-seat Court Philippe Chatrier.
“I want to thank all the people who have come to support me,” Khelif said, expressing her gratitude to the crowd that energetically chanted her name throughout the match.
While the debate over gender in sports persists, Khelif remains focused on the achievement she has tirelessly worked for over the past eight years.