Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, is embroiled in controversy at the Paris Olympics, with questions raised about her participation in the women’s 66kg category despite possessing male chromosomes. The issue escalated when her opponent, Angela Carini of Italy, withdrew from their bout after just 46 seconds, citing concerns for her safety.
This isn’t the first time Khelif has faced such scrutiny. Previously, she was disqualified from the 2023 World Boxing Championships due to gender eligibility issues. The controversy intensified when IBA President Umar Kremlev stated that athletes with XY chromosomes were excluded from competition based on DNA tests, although the Algerian Olympic Committee attributed Khelif’s disqualification to medical reasons, specifically high testosterone levels.
Khelif, 25 years old and from Tiaret, Algeria, currently serves as a UNICEF ambassador. Despite initial resistance from her father to her boxing career, she aimed to inspire others by achieving success on the world stage. Her journey includes competing in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she reached the quarter-finals, and securing notable victories in subsequent championships and games, including gold medals at the African Championships, Mediterranean Games, and Arab Games.
Regarding her participation in the Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee has affirmed that Khelif competes in the women’s category based on her passport, which identifies her as female. This decision has sparked criticism from some female boxing champions, including Claressa Shields and Ebanie Bridges, while the Algerian Olympic Committee has voiced support for Khelif, dismissing allegations against her as unfounded.
