Who Is Imane Khelif? The Algerian Boxer At Centre Of 'Gender Controversy' In Paris Olympics

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Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is at the centre of a major storm at the Paris Olympics, with the pugilist's participation in the women's category of 66kg event being questioned.

It was in the 2023 World Boxing Championships that Imane Khelif first triggered the gender controversy.

Held in New Delhi, the 2023 World Boxing Championships saw Khelif being barred from competing in the event by IBA President Umar Kremlev. In his statement, Kremlev said: "Based on DNA tests, we identified a number of athletes who tried to trick their colleagues into posing as women. According to the results of the tests, it was proved that they have XY chromosomes. Such athletes were excluded from competition."

The Algerian Olympic Committee took a slightly different stance on Khelif's elimination, saying she was disqualified for "medical reasons." Algerian media, on the other hand, said that Khelif was disqualified for high testosterone levels, as per Reuters.

Khelif wasn't happy with the development and said, "There are some countries that did not want Algeria to win a gold medal. This is a conspiracy and a big conspiracy, and we will not be silent about it."

IOC On Imane Khelif's Paris Olympics Qualification:

The International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams said that since Khelif's passport has 'female' written on it, she is competing in the women's category in the 66kg division.

"Everyone competing in the women's category is complying with the competition eligibility rules," he said this week. "They are women in their passports, and it's stated that this is the case, that they are female."

Some current and former female boxing champions such as Claressa Shields and Ebanie Bridges have openly criticised the IOC for its ruling. Meanwhile, the COA, which is the Algerian Olympic Committee, has come out in support to Imane Khelif and lambasted the reports against her.