PARIS, August 9, Reuters – Imane Khelif of Algeria, the female boxer who caused a stir when she defeated Yang Liu of China to win the welterweight Olympic gold medal, sent her adoring fans into a frenzy on Friday. Khelif made a statement about her femininity.
The gender debate in Paris that has grabbed headlines and generated a lot of conversation on social media platforms has put Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting and Khelif, the silver medallist at the 2022 World Championships, in the public eye.
After Hocine Soltani in Atlanta 1996, Khelif is the first female boxer from Algeria to win an Olympic gold medal. She won by unanimous decision. London 2012 marked the first time women’s boxing competed at the Olympics.
“I have this dream. My dream for eight years. I’m a gold medallist and Olympic champion. I am overjoyed. I work eight years,” Khelif, 25, remarked.
“No sleep for eight years. Eight years old and worn out. I won the Olympics now. It makes me really pleased. Thank you to everyone who came out to support me. Individuals, Algerians, and everyone in Paris.
Khelif said at a news conference in response to the uproar around her, “I am a woman like any woman.” I have always identified as a woman, even though there are many who oppose achievement and find it difficult to accept my accomplishments.”
Yang, her vanquished opponent, declared: “I’m delighted for her. I respect everyone, and I’ll even pick up some boxing skills from her.”
Bronze went to Taiwan’s Chen Nien-chin and Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) barred Khelif and double world champion Lin from the 2023 World Championships, citing a gender test as the reason for their ineligibility at a press conference held at the Paris Games.
Gender testing is not a requirement for boxing eligibility under guidelines that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is adopting in Paris. These rules were implemented during the Olympics in 2016 and 2021.
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