Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Defies Gender Criticism, Wins First Arab-African-Woman Olympic Boxing Gold
Imane Khelif has etched her name into history as the first Algerian, Arab, and African woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal at the Paris Games amidst gender dispute.
The 25-year-old, brimming with joy, danced and roared with delight after defeating China’s Yang Liu in a thrilling three-round welterweight final at the Roland-Garros Stadium on Friday night.
From the outset, Khelif dominated the match, leaving no doubt in the judges’ minds, who awarded her the victory in a unanimous decision.
The scene at Court Philippe-Chatrier was electric as Khelif, who had been embroiled in a gender dispute leading up to the games, basked in the overwhelming support of the rapturous Algerian crowd.
Khelif’s journey to Olympic gold was not without controversy. The Algerian boxer was thrust into the spotlight following a 2023 decision by the now-banned International Boxing Association (IBA), which disqualified her from competition due to a failed gender eligibility test.
The decision sparked a heated debate, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rejecting the IBA’s findings, calling them arbitrary and illegitimate.
Despite the distractions, Khelif remained focused and determined. As she walked into the arena, her supporters, brandishing the Algerian flag, erupted in cheers, a clear sign of their unwavering faith in her abilities.
Their belief was rewarded as Khelif delivered a masterful performance, outclassing Yang in every round.
Yang started the fight with aggression, attempting to push Khelif back in the first round. However, Khelif, undeterred, retaliated with a powerful blow that set the tone for the rest of the match.
The second round saw more of the same, with Khelif controlling the fight and leaving Yang with few opportunities to counter.
By the third round, it was evident that Yang’s spirit had been broken. Her attempts to regain control were futile as Khelif expertly dodged her shots, waiting for the right moment to strike. When the final bell rang, it was clear who the victor was.
Wearing red and sporting a wide victor’s smile, Khelif stood at the center of the ring, her left hand raised by the referee, signaling her historic win. She then broke into her trademark dance, circling the ring in celebration as the crowd roared in approval.
This time, her tears were replaced with unbridled joy as her team members hoisted her onto their shoulders, parading her around the arena.
Draped in the Algerian flag, Khelif soaked in the applause, a gold medal now firmly in her grasp.
In her post-fight interview, Khelif expressed her gratitude to her supporters. “It was my dream to win this medal, and I am very happy today that I’m an Olympic gold medallist,” she told the BBC.
Reflecting on her arduous journey, she added, “Eight years of hard work, eight years of being too tired, eight years of no sleep – this is fantastic.”
Khelif also took a moment to thank the Algerian people, both in Paris and around the world, for their unwavering support during the challenging period when she was targeted in a gender dispute.
“I want to thank all the Algerian people here in Paris, around the world, and in Algeria,” she said. “All the people from Algeria and all the people at my base. I want to thank all the team, my coach. Thank you so much.”
As Khelif stood proudly on the podium, the gold medal around her neck, it was clear that her victory transcended the confines of the boxing ring.
It was a triumph of resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of a champion. For Algeria, for Africa, and for the Arab world, Imane Khelif’s victory will be remembered as a historic moment of pride and inspiration.
