Algerian boxing star Imane Khelif has qualified for the finals in women’s welterweight boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Khelif secured her victory in the semifinals against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng with a unanimous decision from the judges. The win was celebrated with cheers in the ring Tuesday night at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, where a large crowd of supporters from Algeria cheered and waved the national flag. When the referee raised Khelif’s hand as the winner after three rounds, the crowd erupted with joy.
Khelif’s victory comes amidst a significant gender-related controversy surrounding the Games. However, this controversy has not impacted her performance, and she has now guaranteed at least a silver medal as she heads into the finals, which will take place on Friday in the 66 kg category. The 25-year-old Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan, who has also faced controversy regarding her eligibility, are both assured of bringing home medals from the Olympics. Khelif and Lin participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics three years ago but did not win any medals. Both were disqualified from the World Championships last year for not meeting gender standards but have since been allowed to compete in Paris.
During the match against Suwannapheng, Khelif was met with an almost euphoric audience that repeatedly chanted her name. The Thai boxer, facing difficulties, took a standing count in the third round after enduring Khelif’s powerful punches. At the end of the bout, the two boxers warmly greeted each other.
Khelif is now preparing for a final match against either Yang Liu from China or Chen Nien-chin from Taiwan, competing for the coveted gold medal. The gender controversy surrounding Khelif intensified when she defeated Angela Carini in her opening round in just 46 seconds, causing the Italian boxer to cry and leave the ring with a severely injured nose.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended Khelif and Lin, with president Thomas Bach stating that they were both born and raised as women. Khelif continues her journey toward a historic medal as the media closely follows her progress.