Gender Controversy Rocks Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif Calls for Respect and Understanding

As the gender controversy in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics continues to escalate, the Algerian athlete at its center has called on the international community to halt hate speech and harassment directed towards her. 

In an interview with SNTV, AP’s sports video partner, Imane Khelif, emphasized, “I send a message to everyone around the world to uphold Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter and not to harass any athletes.”

“Harassment has a significant impact. It can destroy people and undermine their thoughts, spirits, and hearts,” stated Khelif. “Therefore, I urge everyone to refrain from such behavior.”

Khelif and Taiwanese female boxer Lin Yu-ting have emerged as central figures in the gender controversy surrounding these Olympics. 

The International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified both Lin and Khelif at the Women’s Boxing Championships News Delhi 2023. At that time, IBA Russian President Umar Kremlev asserted in an interview that the two athletes have XY chromosomes.

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed their participation in the Paris Games, stating that they had rightfully obtained Olympic eligibility. Consequently, the gender controversy surrounding the two athletes continues to unfold.

The controversy intensified when Italian boxer Angela Carini, who faced Khelif in the round of 16, promptly withdrew after receiving a punch to the face from Khelif. Certain far-right Italian figures falsely claimed that Imane was a transgender athlete.

The debate heightened as both Khelif and Lin secured at least a bronze medal with their dominant performances. The sentiment within the international community, questioning, “Must someone perish to grasp the gravity of this gender controversy?” gained momentum.

Khelif mentioned that she doesn’t use social media much, explaining that during the Olympics, a mental health team helps manage this to ensure that she and other athletes avoid frequent use of social media.

She added that she contacts her family about twice a week, noting that they are very concerned about her. She expressed hope that the situation does not affect her family too much and ends with her winning a gold medal.

Finally, Khelif expressed her gratitude to the IOC for allowing her participation, stating that she is grateful to the Olympic Committee for recognizing justice for her and affirming the truth in their decision.