Imane Khelif, previously ineligible for women’s events, emerges victorious in her first Paris Olympics boxing match

Imane Khelif, a female boxer from Algeria, won her first fight at the Paris Olympics against Angela Carini, who quit the match after 46 seconds. Khelif has faced scrutiny over her gender identity after reports surfaced that she and another boxer failed gender eligibility tests due to having male chromosomes. Despite competing as a woman throughout her career, questions have arisen about her gender, although she does not identify as transgender or intersex. Carini ended the fight due to a severe pain in her nose and has refrained from passing judgment on Khelif’s eligibility to compete. Various figures, including former President Trump, criticized the match, advocating to keep men out of women’s sports. On the other hand, some figures like Ismaël Bennacer have supported Khelif, emphasizing her hard work and talent. The IOC denounced the backlash against Khelif and the decision to disqualify her and the other boxer from the previous Women’s World Boxing Championships. The IOC noted issues with the International Boxing Association and withdrew recognition from it in 2023. Despite the criticisms and controversy surrounding Khelif’s win, the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee showed pride in her victory and expressed support for her upcoming match at the Olympics. Khelif’s next opponent is Luca Anna Hamori from Hungary in the quarterfinals.

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