This victory, however, is overshadowed by the ongoing debate over her gender eligibility, which has divided opinions within the sporting community.
Khelif’s participation in the Olympics comes after she was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for failing to meet the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility criteria.
The issue arose due to elevated levels of testosterone, leading to her exclusion from that event alongside Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who faced similar disqualification.
Despite this setback, Khelif had been cleared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to compete in the Paris Olympics, where she is now advancing toward the quarter-finals.
The IOC’s decision to allow Khelif to compete has not been without controversy. Critics argue that differing standards between the IBA and IOC create confusion and potential unfairness in competition.
Italy’s Family Minister Eugenia Roccella and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi have expressed concerns about the lack of uniform criteria at the international level, questioning the fairness and safety of allowing Khelif to compete against other female athletes.
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) has come to Khelif’s defence, condemning what they describe as “malicious and unethical attacks” by foreign media. The COA has emphasized their unwavering support for Khelif, denouncing the scrutiny as “baseless propaganda” aimed at undermining her credibility and morale as she competes at the pinnacle of her career.
During her brief but impactful fight in Paris, Khelif faced Italy’s Angela Carini, who suffered a badly hurt nose and was unable to continue, leading to an official abandonment of the match.
The swift victory was met with mixed reactions, with Algerian fans in the North Paris Arena showing their support by chanting Khelif’s name, while Carini’s emotional response highlighted the intense pressure and stakes involved in the competition.
As the debate over gender eligibility in sports continues, Khelif’s journey at the Paris Olympics is likely to remain under the spotlight, reflecting broader discussions about fairness, safety, and the evolving standards in women’s sports. Despite the controversy, Khelif remains focused on her Olympic goals, buoyed by the support of her nation and the determination to prove herself on the world stage.