Sports
Imane Khelif Faces Controversy at World Championships
In a surprising turn of events at the World Championships, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won her first match when her opponent, Angela Carini from Italy, quit shortly after the bout began. Carini took several hard hits to the face, prompting her to step back from the match.
While this victory should have celebrated Khelif’s skills, it has instead ignited a heated debate about her gender identity. Critics have taken to social media, misgendering and attacking Khelif, claiming she doesn’t belong in women’s sports.
Imane Khelif, who was born in 1999 in Tiaret, Algeria, has been boxing since childhood and has always fought in women’s categories. She has competed in several prestigious events, including the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi in 2018 and the Tokyo Olympic Games, where she reached the quarterfinals.
However, all seemed well until the 2023 World Cup, organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA). Khelif faced disqualification following a gender eligibility test that reportedly indicated she has XY chromosomes. IBA president Umar Kremlev claimed both Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting were trying to deceive their colleagues.
Khelif has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting her identity. The IOC, which oversees Olympic boxing competitions, confirmed that both boxers are eligible to compete, holding valid medical certificates and having participated in previous high-level matches.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams defended Khelif, urging the public to avoid turning the situation into a ‘witch hunt.’ He emphasized that Khelif is recognized as a woman according to her passport and has a history of competing fairly.
Despite the gladiatorial atmosphere and public scrutiny, famous figures like Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling have fueled the controversy. Musk shared opinions denouncing Khelif’s participation, while Rowling referred to her in derogatory terms, questioning her eligibility.
The dispute raises important issues surrounding hyperandrogynism and intersexuality, though critics of Khelif are accused of misusing these serious topics to push a negative agenda. Khelif, who identifies as a woman, remains focused on her competitions.
