Algerian boxer Imane Khelif finds herself at the center of a gender eligibility controversy, which escalated following her victory over an Italian opponent during the Paris Olympics on August 1.
This marks Khelif’s second Olympic appearance; she previously represented Algeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which took place in 2021. Since then, Khelif has been embroiled in controversy.
Here’s what you should know about Khelif and the ongoing issue.
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Vitals
Imane Khelif of Algeria is seen before her match against Italy’s Angela Carini on August 1, 2024, in Paris. (Reuters/Isabel Infantes)
Khelif is a 25-year-old athlete from Tiaret, Algeria. Currently a UNICEF ambassador, she matured into the sport while growing up in a rural area where her father reportedly disapproved of girls participating in boxing, as noted by UNICEF.
To pursue her dream of boxing, Khelif started training by selling scrap metal for recycling.
Boxing career
Team Algeria coach Mohamed Al-Shawa assists Imane Khelif before her match against Angela Carini of Italy during the Paris Olympics on August 1, 2024. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Khelif made her debut on the international amateur boxing stage at 19, placing 17th in the 2018 World Championships, which were sanctioned by the International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly known as AIBA.
She ranked 19th in the 2019 Women’s World Boxing Championships. Khelif competed in the 2020 Olympics, advancing to the quarterfinals before losing to Kellie Harrington from Ireland.
In 2022, Khelif secured second place in the Women’s World Boxing Championships, being defeated by Amy Broadhurst. Additionally, she clinched gold medals in the 2022 African Championships, the Mediterranean Games, and the 2023 Arab Games.
The controversy surrounding Khelif mainly stems from the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships.
Gender controversy
Algeria’s Imane Khelif celebrates after defeating Tunisia’s Mariem Homrani Ep Zayan during their bout at the Tokyo Olympic Games on July 30, 2021. (Buda Mendes/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
Khelif faced disqualification from the 2023 championships prior to a gold medal match due to gender eligibility concerns. IBA President Umar Kremlev communicated the reasons for her disqualification through a statement to Russia’s TASS Agency.
“We identified a number of athletes who attempted to deceive their colleagues into posing as women based on DNA tests. The tests confirmed they have XY chromosomes. Such athletes were excluded from competition,” Kremlev stated.
The Algerian Olympic Committee cited “medical reasons” for Khelif’s disqualification, while Algerian media reported it was due to elevated testosterone levels, as per Reuters.
Khelif expressed her belief to Algerian Ennahar TV that, “Some countries did not want Algeria to win a gold medal. This is a conspiracy, a major conspiracy, and we will not remain silent about it.”
Drama renewed
Imane Khelif of Algeria and Angela Carini of Italy following their fight on August 1, 2024, in Paris. (Reuters/Isabel Infantes)
With her qualification for the Paris Olympics, discussions surrounding Khelif’s gender reignited.
International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams attempted to clarify the situation.
“All individuals competing in the women’s category adhere to the eligibility criteria,” he remarked this week. “They are officially recognized as female on their passports.”
Before Khelif’s match, the IBA issued a statement elucidating the grounds for her disqualification.
“On March 24, 2023, IBA disqualified athletes Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi 2023,” according to the IBA. “This disqualification stemmed from their failure to fulfill the eligibility requirements for partaking in the women’s competition, as outlined in the IBA Regulations. This meticulously reviewed decision was crucial in maintaining fairness and integrity in the competition.”
“It is important to note that these athletes did not undergo testosterone tests but were subjected to a different, recognized evaluation, the specifics of which remain confidential,” the IBA’s statement continued. “This assessment conclusively determined that both athletes did not meet the necessary eligibility criteria and were found to possess competitive advantages over their female counterparts.”
The IBA disclosed that Khelif took two examinations: one in 2022 and the other in 2023. Although Khelif appealed the decision to the Court for Arbitration of Sport, she later withdrew, making the IBA’s ruling legally binding.
“Our Committees carefully reviewed and endorsed the decision made during the World Championships,” the IBA stated. “While the IBA is dedicated to ensuring competitive fairness in all events, we express concern over the inconsistent implementation of eligibility standards by other sporting organizations, including those governing the Olympic Games. The IOC’s differing regulations on these matters, in which the IBA has no involvement, raise significant questions regarding competitive fairness and athlete safety.”
In response, the IOC released a statement on Thursday, defending its eligibility regulations and reinforcing that Khelif met all criteria.
“These two athletes were victims of an abrupt and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were unexpectedly disqualified without any due process.”
Khelif vs Carini
Angela Carini of Italy during her match against Algeria’s Imane Khelif on August 1, 2024, in Paris. (Fabio Bozzani/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Khelif defeated Angela Carini from Italy in just 46 seconds during their bout in the 66-kilogram division on August 1.
After taking a blow to the face, Carini called for a time-out to adjust her headgear. Following a second punch, Carini decided to exit the match.
Post-fight, Carini was overheard questioning the match’s fairness to her coaches in Italian and later clarified her reasons for abandoning the fight.
“I entered the ring ready to fight,” she said, according to Italy’s ANSA. “I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much, so I said enough. I’m leaving with my head held high.”
Khelif celebrated her victory on Instagram, sharing a post that read “first victory.”
Khelif’s boxing record
Algeria’s Imane Khelif during her fight against Angela Carini of Italy (not shown) during the Paris Olympic Games on August 1, 2024. (Fabio Bozzani/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Khelif holds an amateur record of 37 wins and 9 losses, with five knockouts to her name. She has not lost a match since May 2022 against Broadhurst, with the 2023 World Championship bouts being classified as no contests.
When is Khelif’s next fight?
Khelif’s next opponent is Hungarian Anna Luca Hámori, scheduled for Saturday at 11:22 a.m. ET.
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