Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif will compete for Olympic gold on Friday after a decisive victory over Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semi-finals in Paris.
Despite the controversy over her eligibility, Khelif dominated her Thai opponent, winning by unanimous decision at Court Philippe Chatrier. Khelif, one of two boxers allowed to compete in Paris after being disqualified from last year’s World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for failing gender eligibility tests, received strong support from the crowd. The win secures her place in her first Olympic final, having been knocked out in the quarter-finals 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,” said the 25-year-old. “I am here for a good performance and my dream. I will give everything I have for the final.”
The controversy over Khelif’s eligibility has been a significant talking point. The IBA disqualified her for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has supported her participation, stating that competitors are eligible for the women’s division if their passports identify them as female.
Khelif’s Games began with a win against Angela Carini, who abandoned the fight after just 46 seconds. This sparked debate over the eligibility of Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, also disqualified by the IBA last year. The IOC has allowed both to compete, with President Thomas Bach affirming their status as women.
Khelif’s victory over Suwannapheng, marked by confidence and dominance, ended with an embrace between the fighters. “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 said.
Khelif’s journey to the final has not been without controversy, but she now stands on the brink of making history for Algeria in three days’ time.
