Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is set to enter the ring at the Paris Olympics once again on Saturday following days of intense scrutiny and online abuse as misconceptions about her gender have ignited a broader debate about identity in sports.
Khelif will face off against Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary in the quarterfinals of the women’s 66-kilogram category. If Khelif emerges victorious, she will secure Algeria’s seventh Olympic boxing medal, the first since 2000 and the nation’s inaugural medal in women’s boxing.
In her opening bout on Thursday, Khelif clinched a win when her opponent Angela Carini of Italy tearfully withdrew from the fight after just 46 seconds. This unexpected conclusion further fueled the ongoing discourse surrounding gender identity and regulations in sports, with figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling falsely asserting that Khelif was either a man or transgender.
Despite the hateful comments, the Paris Games’ emphasis on inclusivity and recent controversies surrounding the involvement of drag queens in the opening ceremony, LGBTQ+ groups are concerned about the potential harm posed to their community and female athletes.
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IOC President Thomas Bach came to the defense of Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, both of whom were disqualified by the International Boxing Association during last year’s world championships. The IBA’s lack of transparency in handling eligibility tests raised doubts about their disqualification.
The controversy surrounding Khelif and Lin underscores the broader tensions between the IOC and the IBA, which has faced numerous disputes over judging, governance, and financial matters.
In response to the scrutiny, Bach emphasized, “Let’s be very clear here: We are talking about women’s boxing. There was never any doubt about them being a woman.”
Despite the challenges, Khelif is determined to secure a medal in her second Olympics after missing out on a podium finish in Tokyo 2020. Similarly, Lin aims to clinch her first Olympic medal if she defeats Svetlana Staneva of Bulgaria in the upcoming match.
Both athletes have received overwhelming support from the crowd at the North Paris Arena amidst the ongoing controversy.
With the Paris Olympics boxing tournament featuring the lowest number of participants since 1956, the possibility of winning medals with just two victories has heightened the stakes for all competitors.
Gender parity has finally been achieved in Olympic boxing, with equal representation for male and female athletes in Paris, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
