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Algerian boxer Imane Khelif moved one step closer to a historic gold medal in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday night, defeating Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng 5-0 in the semifinals.
As AP reports, Khelif's victory puts her on the verge of securing Algeria’s second-ever boxing gold and its first in women’s boxing. The 25-year-old will face Yang Liu of China for the gold or silver medal on Friday.
The bout was held at Roland Garros, where Khelif received a rousing reception from the crowd, who cheered and chanted her name throughout the three-round fight. Khelif has won all three of her matches in Paris, with her latest victory demonstrating her dominance as she controlled the fight and earned a standing 8-count against Suwannapheng late in the third round.
Khelif’s journey in Paris comes amid significant scrutiny related to her gender identity. The controversy began after the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Khelif and fellow Paris medalist Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei from last year’s world championships for allegedly failing an eligibility test. The IBA, banned from the Olympics since before the Tokyo Games, has faced criticism for its handling of these cases.
Despite the off-ring controversy, Khelif has remained focused. “I don’t care about that,” she said through an interpreter. “I wish to be ready and show a good standard, show my talent, because I want to entertain everyone.”
Khelif's performance in Paris has been marked by resilience. Her first opponent, Angela Carini of Italy, withdrew just 46 seconds into their match due to injury, leading to false claims from public figures about Khelif’s gender. Carini later apologized for her early exit.
In the semifinals, Khelif showed her strength and precision, winning every round on all judges' cards. Suwannapheng acknowledged Khelif’s prowess, stating, “She is a woman, but she is very strong.”
The Algerian team and its supporters have been vocal in their defense of Khelif, reflecting the strong national pride and concern over the criticism directed at her. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and its president, Thomas Bach, have defended Khelif’s eligibility and condemned the IBA’s actions.
Khelif's performance and the public's support highlight the significance of her achievements at the Paris Games. She will seek to cap her impressive run with a gold medal, showcasing her talent and resilience amid ongoing controversy.
[Information sourced from AP]
