Imane Khelif Wins Gold at Roland Garros Boxing Arena

Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer secured Olympic women’s boxing gold at Paris 2024, a year after being disqualified from the World Championships due to gender eligibility concerns. The 25-year-old faced intense scrutiny and was accused of failing gender tests but was allowed to compete in Paris. Khelif defeated Chinese world champion Yang Liu by unanimous decision in the welterweight final, marking a significant victory.

Khelif expressed that the criticisms over her gender eligibility added a “special taste” to her triumph, stating, “I am a woman like any other woman… I competed as a woman.” She also claimed to be a victim of “bullying” by the International Boxing Association (IBA), accusing them of unfair treatment. In the final, Khelif dominated the fight, confidently showboating as the final bell rang.

The arena filled with Algerian supporters waving flags, erupted in celebration. Yang Liu, in a show of sportsmanship, raised Khelif’s arm after the result was announced. Khelif’s victory was particularly poignant, as Yang was supposed to face her in last year’s World Championship final before Khelif’s disqualification. Khelif’s path to gold was fraught with controversy, as several opponents and their coaching teams voiced strong objections to her participation.

Despite the criticism, Khelif persevered and secured the gold medal. Italy’s Angela Carini, who faced Khelif in the opening round, even abandoned the bout, citing concerns for her safety. Other boxers, including Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori and Turkey’s Esra Yildiz Kahraman also voiced their objections. Despite the criticism, Imane Khelif stood firm, sending a message of resilience and calling for an end to bullying.

She dedicated her victory to the Olympic values, emphasizing the importance of dignity and honor in sport.