Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Clinches Gold Amid Controversy in Women’s Welterweight

Imane Khelif, a 25-year-old Algerian boxer, secured a decisive victory in the women’s welterweight gold medal bout on Friday evening, defeating China’s Yang Liu with a unanimous points decision. Khelif’s triumph, held at the iconic Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros, marks a significant milestone in her career as she claimed her first Olympic gold medal.

Khelif dominated her weight class throughout the competition, never losing a single round on her path to the final. “I’m very happy. For eight years, this has been my dream, and now I’m the Olympic champion and gold medallist,” Khelif said after her victory. “I’ve worked for eight years, no sleep, eight years tired. Now I’m Olympic champion.”

The arena was filled with Algerian fans who had come to witness Khelif’s historic win, which was met with overwhelming cheers and celebration. Despite her success in the ring, Khelif’s Olympic journey was shadowed by controversy.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) had previously barred her from competing in women’s events, citing failed sex eligibility tests—a decision that both Khelif and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have contested.

The IBA, which no longer oversees Olympic boxing, has faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding its testing standards. Khelif’s case is reminiscent of other athletes with differences in sex development (DSDs), such as middle-distance runner Caster Semenya, who have faced similar scrutiny.

“I am a woman like any woman. I was born a woman and I have lived as a woman, but there are enemies to success and they can’t digest my success,” Khelif stated defiantly after her Olympic win.

The controversy surrounding Khelif is not isolated. Taiwanese featherweight boxer Lin Yu-ting, who is set to compete in the featherweight gold medal match on Saturday, has faced similar challenges. Both Khelif and Lin competed in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, though without the same level of attention or success.

Despite the hurdles, Khelif’s victory in Paris is a testament to her determination and resilience, solidifying her place among the elite in women’s boxing.