Algerian boxer Imane Khelif
Amid the ongoing row and social media policing, Algeria’s Imane Khelif has called for an end to bullying over gender misconceptions.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s gender became the biggest talking point in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. Controversy erupted during her bout against Italy’s Angela Carini as the latter chose to quit in 46 seconds. The incident led to humungous outrage on social media with international leaders and renowned figures questioning the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow Khelif to compete.
Notably, Khelif was banned from the World Championships 2023 in India after failing the eligibility tests set by the now-banned International Boxing Association. However, the IOC allowed her to compete in the Paris Games 2024, going by the gender mentioned on her passport.
Amid the ongoing row and social media policing, Khelif has called for an end to bullying over gender misconceptions.
“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects,” Khelif was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
“It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying,” she added.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif called for an end to bullying athletes after she faced a wave of online abuse over misconceptions about her gender during the Paris Olympics. pic.twitter.com/Pl1sc5j181— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) August 5, 2024
The 25-year-old Khelif acknowledged the pressure and pain of enduring this ordeal while competing far from home in the most important event of her athletic career.
“I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply. They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response,” she said.
Khelif repeatedly made clear she won’t allow chatter or accusations to deter her from attempting to claim Algeria’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing.
“I don’t care about anyone’s opinion. I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve (and) be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete,” Khelif said a day after beating Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary.
Khelif has assured herself of a medal at the Paris Olympics by reaching the semis of the women’s 66kg weight class. She will win at least a bronze medal after defeating Hamori for the second victory in the ongoing Olympic Games.
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