Algerian boxer faced scrutiny after defeating her opponent in less than a minute

Imane Khelif who participate in Paris boxer 2024 has called the end to “bullying athletes”, after admitting she has been greatly affected by misconceptions about her gender.

The Algerian athlete faced a lot of criticism after defeating her opponent Angela Carini who lives in Italy in just 46 seconds.

Khelif at the age of 25, together with Lin Yu-ting who is representing Taiwan, were both banned from the world championships last year by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for failing an unknown eligibility test.

On the other hand the IBA was stripped as the global governing body for boxing in June last year by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) intervened which is administering the sport in Paris.

The IOC said the aggression faced by Khelif and Lin was “totally unacceptable”, and confirmed both were fully eligible to compete in Olympic women’s boxing.

Both Players are currently facing a mass of online abuse despite competing in female boxing events for a long period and they are suggestions regarding their gender and bodies which include that they were men or transgender.

After experiencing such treatment the Algerian boxer pleaded with other people to stop bullying athlete as this might have effects on their lives.

Khelif said: “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.

“It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people.”

Khelif who is the victim of racism from social media platforms acknowledged the pressure and pain of enduring this cyber-bulling while competing away from home in the most important event of her athletic career.

Khelif said “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.”

Carini, who cried and refused to shake Khelif’s hand after the match, later on apologised for her reaction. She revealed that at Italian media publication newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

Carini said “All this controversy makes me sad. I’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”

Khelif refused to answer when asked whether she had undergone other tests rather than doping tests, saying she didn’t want to talk about it.

She reveals that she appreciated the support of the IOC, and said she would not let the controversy deter her efforts in the ring.

Khelif said “I don’t care about anyone’s opinion, I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal. I will certainly be competing to improve [and] be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete.”

After her victory on Saturday, Khelif was emotional and she greated her fans, knelt and slammed her palm on the canvas, her smile turning to tears.

Khelif said “After the media frenzy and after the victory, there was a mix of joy and at the same time, I was greatly affected, because honestly, it wasn’t an easy thing to go through at all, It was something that harms human dignity.”

Khelif’s next fight in Paris, is against Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand on Tuesday. If she wins then she will gain a shot for a gold medal on Friday.

BY LUCKY SEANEGO