Algerian boxer Iman Khalif, who has found herself in the midst of a controversy regarding her gender identity, continues her remarkable journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics, reaching the final in the 66 kg category after defeating Thailand's 8th seed, Jangyim Suwanathing, in the semifinals on Tuesday. Khalif won unanimously 5-0, securing at least a silver medal as she is set to face China's 2nd seed Liu Yang in the final on Friday.
The Roland Garros stadium, typically hosting tennis champions, was transformed into a boxing ring. Before a packed crowd of 15,000 spectators adorned with Algerian flags and chanting “Iman, Iman,” she triumphed over her Thai opponent to advance to the final.
Khalif (25 years old) secured the first medal for Algeria at the Paris Olympics after defeating Hungary's Anna Lutz Hamori on points in the quarterfinals on Saturday. With support from the International Olympic Committee, which is at odds with the suspended International Boxing Association, the Algerian boxer is participating in the Olympics for the second time in Paris.
Her match on Thursday in the Round of 16 against Italian competitor Angela Carini, which lasted only 46 seconds due to Carini's withdrawal, reignited controversy regarding her exclusion alongside Taiwanese boxer Yu-Ting Lin from the World Championship last year in New Delhi after failing to meet gender eligibility criteria. Khalif was denied the opportunity to compete in the final of the World Championship in New Delhi due to non-compliance with gender eligibility standards and "testosterone levels," as stated on the dedicated Olympic athlete website, before the reason for her exclusion was later removed, allowing her to compete as permitted by the International Olympic Committee.
The International Boxing Association, led by Russian businessman linked to the Kremlin Umar Kremlev, claimed on Monday that tests conducted on the two boxers indicated they were "males." The Algerian Olympic Committee quickly responded, stating that they do not recognize the International Boxing Association "as a legitimate organization and there is no connection to the Olympics. Our champion, Iman Khalif, remains unaffected by the unfounded claims of the International Boxing Association." German IOC president Thomas Bach and high-ranking officials from Algeria and Taiwan strongly defended Khalif and Lin, affirming that they were born and raised as women and possess passports confirming their identity.
