Who Is Imane Khelif? Everything You Need To Know About The Algerian Boxer In Paris Olympics 2024 Gender Eligibility Controversy

IBA Explains:

Before Khelif’s match, the International Boxing Association (IBA) issued a new statement clarifying the disqualification. They explained that on March 24, 2023, athletes Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif were disqualified from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi 2023 for not meeting the eligibility criteria for the women’s competition, as specified in IBA Regulations. This decision followed a comprehensive review to ensure fairness and integrity in the competition.

The IBA highlighted that the athletes were not subjected to a testosterone examination but rather to a separate, confidential test, which revealed that they did not meet the required eligibility criteria and had competitive advantages over other female competitors. The IBA reported that Khelif underwent two tests, one in 2022 and another in 2023. Khelif appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but later withdrew, rendering the IBA’s decision legally binding.

The IBA further stated that their Committees reviewed and upheld the decision made during the World Championships. They expressed concerns about the inconsistent application of eligibility criteria by other sporting organizations, including those governing the Olympic Games. The IOC’s differing regulations, in which the IBA is not involved, raise serious questions about competitive fairness and athlete safety.

In response, the IOC defended its eligibility requirements, stating that Khelif met all requirements: “These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.”

Khelif vs Carini:

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.

Following the fight, Carini expressed her frustration, questioning the fairness of the match in Italian. She later clarified her decision to leave the match, saying, “I got into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but one punch hurt too much, and so I said enough. I’m going out with my head held high.”

Khelif celebrated the victory on Instagram with a simple yet triumphant post: “First victory.”

Social Media Reactions:

Former Arsenal midfielder Ismael Bennacer has spoken out against the “unjustified hatred” directed at Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Khelif faced criticism after her opponent withdrew early from their match following a failed testosterone test last year. Bennacer, who shares Algerian descent with Khelif, defended the boxer, highlighting that her qualification for the 2024 Olympics was achieved through “talent and hard work.”

In a social media post that included a photo with Imane Khelif, Ismael Bennacer expressed his backing for the boxer, noting that she is facing unjust criticism. He highlighted that Khelif’s participation in the Olympic Games is a testament to her “talent and hard work,” and conveyed confidence in her ability to represent Algeria proudly.

The controversy has ignited widespread reactions on social media, with notable figures such as Elon Musk and Kangana Ranaut weighing in. Musk endorsed a post on X stating that “Men don’t belong in women’s sport.”

Kangna Ranaut criticized the situation in an Instagram story, asserting that Khelif was unfairly matched against an opponent who identified as female but retained male physical traits. Kangana Ranaut’s post criticized the match, stating, “This girl had to fight a 7 feet tall naturally born male, who has all body parts like a natural male, he looks and behaves like a man, he beat her in the boxing ring like a male beats a female in physical abuse scenario but he says he identifies as a female so guess who won the women’s boxing match? Woke culture is the most unfair and unjust practice. Speak up before it is your baby girl whose job or medal taken away. #SaveWomenSports.”

Former Arsenal midfielder Ismael Bennacer has also weighed in on the situation.

On social media, one user posted, “It’s so crazy that they’ve had to post Imane Khelif childhood pictures to prove that she was born a woman because she packed a white woman with one punch in 40 seconds. White women tears ruin lives..” This post garnered over 5 million views.

Another user responded, “Right?!!! Carini just sucks and this isn’t the first time she’s forfeited and cried on camera during a game. But everyone seems to be losing their minds just because Imane has a sick jawline..”

Another X user remarked, “She’s in the wrong sport if she complains she got punched too hard. Boxing is mainly about getting punched so maybe take up another sport if you don’t want to get hit.”

The official Algerian FC account posted a video of the match on X, noting, “It’s curious that when Imane Khelif lost to Kellie Harrington in the quarterfinals at the 2020 Olympics, no one questioned her gender. It seems that certain individuals are quick to latch onto any conspiracy theory.”

What are your thoughts on this controversy?