Algerian boxer Imane Khelif wins gold at Paris Olympics amid gender row

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who was accused of being a biological male, won the gold medal in the women's boxing 66kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Khelif's victory came after defeating China's Yang Liu by 0-5 points in the final match at Roland-Garros Stadium on Saturday.

The 25-year-old capped off an impressive run that saw her win all her fights, including the decisive match that earned Algeria its second gold medal at the Summer Games.

The win was a triumphant response to critics who had questioned Khelif's eligibility to compete in women's boxing events. 

Earlier, Italian boxer Angela Carini had refused to fight Khelif in the first round, sparking accusations against the female athlete that she might be a biological male.

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) supported Khelif, declaring her eligible to compete in women's boxing. 

The IOC stated that all boxers participating in women's boxing meet the eligibility criteria and that the same rules are in force at the Paris Olympics as they were in 2021.

“It was my dream [to win this medal] and I am very happy today that I’m an Olympic gold medallist,” Khelif told the BBC after winning the gold.

“Eight years of hard work, eight years of [being] too tired, eight years of no sleep, [this is] fantastic,” she added.

“I want to thank all the Algerian people here in Paris, around the world and in Algeria,” she said after the fight.

“All the people from Algeria and all the people at my base. I want to thank all the team, my coach. Thank you so much.”

“Algeria is very happy today.”

The silver medalist was asked if she felt this was a fair fight against the Algerian boxer.

“I’m not very aware of what’s happening outside. My opponent is an exceptional competitor and she performed very well. There are many things I need to learn from her,” she responded.