The father of Algerian boxer Imane Khelife has labeled the attacks against his daughter as ‘immoral’ following her controversy over participating in the Paris Olympics after failing a testosterone test. Amar Khelife criticized the detractors, claiming the controversy is ‘a ploy’ to prevent his daughter from winning a medal at the Olympics.
Imane Khelife, 25, gained worldwide attention when her female opponent, Angela Carini, quit just 46 seconds into their bout at this summer’s Games. She was one of two athletes expelled from last year’s world championships in New Delhi for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria. Her participation has drawn widespread condemnation from female boxers and women’s rights campaigners.
Amar Khelife defended his daughter, presenting an official document dated May 2, 1999, which confirms that Imane was born female.
A photo shows Imane with her siblings and father, who stands by her amidst the criticism.
Imane (bottom right) with her siblings and father Amar, who has defended his daughter
Additionally, a human rights chief condemned boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics as an ‘absurd and dangerous spectacle,’ highlighting the controversy as a second female boxer who previously failed a gender test prepared to fight on Friday.
On August 1, Khelif achieved a remarkable victory in just 46 seconds against Italy’s Angela Carini in the 66-kilogram division. Videos of the match revealed that after just 46 seconds in the ring with Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics, Angela Carini walked back to her corner. There, she consulted with her coaches and then tearfully decided to forfeit the bout. Overwhelmed by the challenge, Carini declared it “impossible to continue,” leading to a series of emotional moments.
