Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is set to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite her disqualification in the 2023 World Championships due to gender eligibility issues, raising eyebrows as the Summer Games commence.
The International Olympic Committee approved Khelif’s eligibility to compete, yet this decision did not quell the outcry from Olympic fans on social media on Tuesday. A video featuring Khelif’s match against Mexico’s Brianda Tamara Cruz Sandoval from December 2022 intensified the debate.
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Oshae Jones of the United States, left, exchanges punches with Brianda Tamara Cruz Sandoval of Mexico during the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kokugikan Arena on July 27, 2021 in Tokyo. (Ueslei Marcelino – Pool/Getty Images)
The footage of Khelif’s fight in the 66-kilogram category during the WBT Golden Belt Series displayed her dominating performance against the Mexican boxer. Tamara expressed to The Telegraph that the experience was unlike anything she had felt in her career.
“When I fought her, I felt very out of my depth,” Tamara stated. “Her punches were incredibly painful. I’m grateful I managed to leave the ring unharmed, and it’s a relief that they finally recognized this.”
Khelif is scheduled to face Italy’s Angela Carini on Thursday, but the surrounding controversy remains prevalent.
Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships, overseen by the International Boxing Association, after a test revealed elevated testosterone levels, as reported by Reuters.
Oshae Jones of the United States, left, fights Brianda Tamara Cruz Sandoval of Mexico during the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kokugikan Arena on July 27, 2021 in Tokyo. (Ueslei Marcelino – Pool/Getty Images)
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The boxer claimed in an interview with Algerian television that her disqualification was part of a “larger conspiracy.” According to AFP, she was informed that she possessed “characteristics that disqualify me from competing against women.”
The Algerian Olympic Committee indicated at the time that Khelif was removed for medical reasons. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting had her bronze medal rescinded for not meeting the eligibility standards set by the International Boxing Association, causing significant uproar among her team.
IBA President Umar Kremlev clarified the situation, stating to Russia’s Tass News Agency that, “Based on DNA tests, we identified several athletes who attempted to deceive their peers by presenting as women. The tests confirmed they possess XY chromosomes, leading to their exclusion from competition.”
Esra Yildiz of Turkey, right, fights with Khelif Imane of Algeria during the International Ahmet Comert Boxing Tournament in Istanbul on Jan. 18, 2020. (Elif Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Previously, Khelif had competed in the Women’s Boxing Championships in 2018, 2019, and 2022. She was also allowed to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Questions regarding Lin’s eligibility arose after her disqualification alongside Khelif in 2023.
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“All competitors in the boxing tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games meet the qualifying and entry standards, along with all relevant medical requirements,” stated the IOC.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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