Imane Khelif has spoken out following her Italian opponent’s decision to abandon their Olympic bout after just 46 seconds.
The Algerian boxer has become a notable figure in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This attention follows the 25-year-old’s disqualification from the 2023 World Championships after failing an unspecified gender eligibility test.
Khelif and fellow Olympian Lin Yu-ting, a Taiwanese boxer competing under ‘Chinese Taipei’, were disqualified due to the presence of an XY chromosome in their bodies, according to the International Boxing Association (IBA).
However, it is important to note that the IBA lost its Olympic credentials five years ago.
Despite the global scrutiny, both athletes have secured at least a bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals of the summer Olympics, being held in France for the first time in a century.
Khelif, who initially appealed the IBA’s decision last year before withdrawing the appeal, has now spoken out after defeating Hungarian boxer Luca Anna Hamori in the quarter-finals. This comes two days after Angela Carini of Italy quit her fight against Khelif just 46 seconds in.
Speaking in Arabic to SNTV on August 4, Khelif stated: “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects.
It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”
The boxer further added: “I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply.
They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”
Khelif continued: “I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth.
I don’t care about anyone’s opinion.
I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve (and) be better, and God willing.
I will improve, like every other athlete.”
The Olympic Committee had previously issued a statement confirming Khelif’s eligibility to compete, stating that “every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination.”
Khelif is set to face Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand in the semi-final tomorrow (August 6), while Lin Yu-ting, who did not appeal the IBA’s decision, will compete against Turkey’s Esra Yildiz Kahraman.
Should the two athletes triumph over their opponents, they will compete against each other in the women’s 66kg weight class boxing final on Friday (August 9).