Algerian athlete Imane Khelif secured a spot in the gold medal match by overcoming Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng with a unanimous decision on Tuesday.
Khelif showcased her skills by effectively controlling Suwannapheng during the bout, scoring points in the first three rounds. In the concluding round, Khelif struck Suwannapheng in the face, prompting the referee to send the Algerian to the corner and begin a count to eight.
Now, Khelif is set to compete for the gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
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Algeria’s Imane Khelif (left) competes on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng during the women’s 66-kilogram semifinal at Roland Garros Stadium on day 11 of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France.
(Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
The audience at Arena Paris Nord cheered for Khelif throughout the match. After the third round, Khelif and Suwannapheng shared a moment of sportsmanship in the center of the ring.
The referee raised Khelif’s hand, declaring her the winner.
Khelif easily progressed through her earlier Olympic bouts, defeating Hungarian Luca Anna Hamori by unanimous decision and claiming victory over Italian Angela Carini.
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Supporters of Algeria’s Imane Khelif rally during her women’s 66-kilogram semifinal boxing match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris on Aug. 6, 2024.
(Mohd Rasfan/AFP via Getty Images)
Khelif has faced scrutiny due to a gender eligibility issue stemming from her disqualification at the 2023 International Boxing Association World Championships.
Both Khelif and the International Olympic Committee affirmed her eligibility to compete. After her victory over Hamori, Khelif declared, “I am a woman.”
Suwannapheng will take home a bronze medal from this match, marking the first Olympic medal of her career.
No contest for third place will take place.
Imane Khelif of Algeria delivers a punch to Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand during the women’s 66-kilogram semifinal on day 11 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Aug. 6, 2024, in Paris.
(Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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The final for the 66-kilogram category is scheduled for Friday.
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