Julius OkorieControversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is inching towards Olympic medal after defeating second opponent, Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori.
Controversy has swirled around Khelif since Italian boxer Angela Carini dramatically quit a bout with Khelif 46 seconds into the match and after taking a hard punch to the face.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the AP, “Khelif declined to answer when asked whether she had undergone tests other than doping tests, saying she didn’t want to talk about it.”
He however made a four-word statement as gender controversy swirls at the Paris Olympics, telling reporters, “I am a woman,” according to Fox News.
Khelif’s comments came after a victory against Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori, which guaranteed Khelif at least a bronze medal in the women boxing event at the Paris Olympics.
READ ALSO: Whether He Or She: I Am Ready, Khelif’s Opponent, Hamori Warns
In the midst of the controversy President of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach insists that the contestants including Khelif are all women, no more, no less.
“We have two boxers, who are born as a woman, who have been raised a woman, who have a passport as a woman, and who have competed for many years as women. And this is the clear definition of a woman. There was never any doubt about them being a woman.” he said
Khelif spoke out against bullying in sports to SNTV, The Associated Press reported. The AP translated Khelif’s comments, which were 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,” Khelif said, according to the AP. “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 continued
“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.”
IOC, IBA On Different Pages As Gender Controversy Rages
International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev will however have none of it insisting that Khelif an edge over her opponents because of her chromosomes composition.
He told Russian news agency TASS that Khelif and another boxer had “XY chromosomes,” the typical genetic makeup of males, and that is why they were disqualified from the World Championships in 2023, Reuters reported.
Khelif who defeated Hungary’s Hamori 5-0 in the quarterfinal on Saturday to advance to the semis, will take on Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng on Tuesday.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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