Boxer Imane Khelif Honored by Algerian President After Gold Win Amid Gender Debate
- Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, receives a major honor from the Algerian president.
- She recently won a gold medal in Paris amid a gender eligibility controversy.
- The recognition comes after she was banned from the Worlds for allegedly failing a gender test.
Algerian Olympic champion boxer Imane Khelif received a prestigious honor from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at a ceremony in Algiers, where she was awarded a commemorative medal alongside fellow athletes Kaylia Nemour and Djamel Sedjati. Khelif shared her experience on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the recognition, which came shortly after her gold medal victory at Roland Garros, despite ongoing debates about her eligibility in the sport. Khelif's triumph at the Paris Olympics has sparked significant backlash, particularly from high-profile figures such as JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump, who have publicly criticized her participation. The scrutiny intensified following her victory over Liu, leading to a wave of social media commentary questioning her gender identity. In response to the harassment, Khelif's attorney, Nabil Boudi, announced that they have initiated legal action against those making derogatory comments online. The 25-year-old boxer expressed her emotional distress over the intense scrutiny, emphasizing that she is not transgender and challenging the motives of her critics. Khelif highlighted the separation of sports and politics, asserting that politicians should not interfere with her identity or athletic career. Her success in the women's 66kg category has been a source of national pride for Algeria, culminating in her role as the flag bearer at the closing ceremony. In light of her achievements, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated interest in signing Khelif to a professional contract, recognizing her talent and potential in the sport.