Imane Khelif says she “doesn’t care” about the controversy swirling over her inclusion in the women’s 66kg boxing category at the Paris Olympics after storming into the gold medal match with a unanimous points win over Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand.
Hundreds of flag-waving Algerian supporters turned the normally genteel surroundings of Phillippe-Chatrier Court at Roland Garros into a cauldron of noise in support of Khelif, who is at the centre of a gender eligibility row.
Having avoided the huge media scrum after her previous bouts, Khelif broke her silence to maintain: “I don’t care what anyone is saying about me with the controversy.
Algeria’s Imane Khelif, right, celebrates victory over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the women’s 66kg semi-final (Peter Byrne/PA)
“All that is important to me is that I stay on the level and give my people the performance they deserve. I know I’m a talented person and this is a gift to all Algerians.”
Chants of “Imane” tumbled down from the stands as Khelif, who is one of two boxers caught up in the ongoing row, dominated Suwannapheng to confirm she will get the chance to emulate compatriot Hocine Soltani, who won lightweight gold in 1996.
The participation of Khelif and Chinese Taipei featherweight Lin Yu-ting has caused an international storm since Khelif beat Angela Carini of Italy in just 46 seconds in her opening bout last Thursday.
Both Khelif and Lin were disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) during last year’s World Championships for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria.
However, the IBA, which was was expelled by the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) over financial and corruption concerns, has failed to provide any proof of its findings.
Lin Yu-ting is the other fighter caught up in the controversy (Peter Byrne/PA)
On Monday, an IBA press conference descended into farce as controversial president Umar Kremlev made baseless claims about Lin and Khelif and launched an astonishing tirade against IOC president Thomas Bach.
Khelif and Lin were allowed to return to competition by the IOC, which is effectively administering the Paris 2024 boxing tournament in the IBA’s absence.
The case has aroused global interest, with figures such as former United States president Donald Trump and Harry Potter author JK Rowling weighing in on the issue.
Khelif won every round on the judges’ cards, appearing close to securing a stoppage at times, and celebrated with a victory jig in the ring as the Algerian supporters celebrated wildly.
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