Algerian boxer Imane Khelifa’s path to the Paris Olympics amid controversy

By Mohamed Bahaa

Algerian boxer Imane Khelifa’s path to the Paris Olympics amid controversy

Imane Khelif, the renowned Algerian boxer, is back in the spotlight as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The announcement comes after a controversial period after Khelif was disqualified from the World Championships last year for failing gender-specific qualification tests.

The 25-year-old Olympian was barred from competing in the championship event because her testosterone levels exceeded the limits set by the International Boxing Association (IBA). However, the IOC allowed her to compete in the Olympics, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Rising star of women’s boxing

Imane Khelif has quickly become a prominent figure in women’s boxing, with an impressive list of achievements to back it up. She began her professional career with an unbeaten record of 1 win and 0 losses. Her amateur career is equally commendable, boasting 36 wins and 9 losses. Khelif’s prowess was on display at the 2022 World Championships in Istanbul, where she won a silver medal in the welterweight division, becoming the first African woman to do so in the category. She cemented her dominance by winning gold medals at both the 2022 African Championships in Maputo and the Mediterranean Games in Oran. Her most recent victory came in February 2024 at the Strandzha Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she won gold in the 63kg category against Russian boxer Natalia Sychugova. Additionally, Khelif qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the African Olympic Qualification Tournament in Dakar, Senegal.

Controversial disqualification and accusations

The controversy surrounding Khelif’s disqualification from the World Championships stemmed from the IBA’s strict testosterone rules for female athletes. Although these rules were intended to ensure fair competition, Khelif’s higher testosterone levels led to her exclusion from the event. This decision prevented her from competing in the final against Yang Liu, sparking outrage from Khelif and her supporters, who claimed the ruling was unfair.

Khelif openly criticized the decision, suggesting it was part of a broader plan against Algerian athletes. She alleged that officials targeted her by denying her the chance to compete for a gold medal. This incident, combined with governance problems at the IBA, led to the organization being banned from hosting Olympic boxing events.

Competition in Paris

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, Khelif will compete under IOC regulations that are considered more inclusive in terms of gender eligibility. Despite the IOC’s more lenient stance, Khelif’s inclusion in the Olympics has reignited discussions about sports regulations and gender identity.

Imane Khelif’s journey to the Paris Olympics is emblematic of the ongoing debates about equity and gender in sports. Her story highlights the challenges athletes face as they navigate complex regulatory landscapes while striving to excel on the international stage. As Khelif prepares to fight Italian boxer Angela Carini in the 66kg weight class, the world will be watching closely to see how she fares amidst these ongoing controversies.