Featured Image Credit: MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images / MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Olympics, Sport, Imane Khelif, Boxing
Yasmeen Hamadeh
Topics: Olympics, Sport, Imane Khelif, Boxing
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has won the semi-final in Olympic boxing against Thai boxer Janjaem Suwannapheng as she battles it out for gold next.
On Tuesday (August 6), Khelif won her semi-final match in the women's 66kg competition against Suwannapheng, officially taking her through to the final on August 9.
Khelif was captured celebrating her win, running to the sidelines to hug her team.
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The Algerian boxer has been caught in a headline storm following her match with Italy's Angela Carini who quit their round after 46 seconds. Carini has since apologised.
Khelif, who was born and raised as a girl and is listed as a female on her passport, was previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships in boxing after failing an unspecified gender eligibility test.
The Olympic committee condemned the test, claiming it is 'not legitimate' and 'does not deserve any response'.
Amid the relentless controversy, Khelif reflected on the situation to SNTV on August 4 speaking in Arabic: "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," she 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 International Olympic Committee previously released a statement reaffirming Khelif's eligibility to participate in the games.
"Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination," the statement read.
"All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU) (please find all applicable rules here). As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport."