Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has been surrounded by a gender-row controversy, has finally won the Paris Olympic 2024 gold medal by defeating China’s Yang Liu in the women’s boxing 66-kilogram (145-pound) division on Friday.
Imane Khelif Won The Gold
After having been the focus of intense scrutiny in the French capital, Imane Khelif defied a major gender controversy to win gold in front of a packed Roland Garros crowd that cheered for her to win.
She celebrated the win atop her coach’s shoulders with her arms in the air, and the packed house at Roland Garros Stadium cheering her on.
After winning the gold, Imane Khelif gave the perfect response to attacks and bullying that she faced during her campaign in the ongoing summer games. After the achievement Imane declared: “I am a woman like any other.”
Talking about the gold bout, standing 1.79 meters (5ft 9in), Khelif dominated most of the first round from the center of the ring and unleashed a flurry of punches on Yang two-thirds of the way through to take the early initiative.
Khelif also continued with her dominance in the second round as well, where her punches appeared to carry more power and menace.
Imane and Yang embraced at the bell and after her comprehensive win was confirmed, Khelif celebrated wildly in the center of the ring by thumping her chest.
“I am a woman like any other.” – Imane Khelif
After the match, Imane received a phone call from the Algerian president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. She revealed her conversation with the President by stating: “I was subjected to bullying and a fierce campaign and this is the greatest response to them.”
Later, with her gold hanging around her neck, Imane Khelif was asked about the eligibility row that dogged her games. Responding to this, Imane said:
“I am fully qualified to take part, I am a woman like any other. I was born a woman, lived a woman, and competed as a woman.
She added: “These are enemies of success. That gives my success a special taste because of these attacks.”
Imane and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from last year’s world championships after they failed gender eligibility testing. When asked about the controversial episode, the gold medalist replied:
“They hate me and I don’t know why,” she said of the IBA.
“I sent them a message with this medal.”
