Source – espn.in
Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif, an Olympic boxer from Algeria, has called for an end to the bullying of athletes following her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Unsubstantiated claims about her gender ignited a furor, especially among right-wing figures. Khelif emphasized the importance of upholding Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, urging people worldwide to refrain from bullying athletes due to its devastating effects on their mental and emotional well-being. She stressed that such behavior can destroy individuals’ thoughts, spirit, and minds, leading to division and distress.
Conspiracy Theories and Criticism
The controversy began after Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif’s fight against Italian boxer Angela Carini, who abandoned the bout after 46 seconds, citing severe pain in her nose. Carini’s refusal to shake Khelif’s hand and her emotional reaction led to a wave of conspiracy theories about Khelif’s gender from conservative pundits, media personalities, and lawmakers. This incident sparked broader discussions about transgender athletes in competitive sports, despite neither Khelif nor another athlete involved in the controversy, Lin Yu-Ting, identifying as transgender. Both had competed in the women’s category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics without similar controversy.
Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif, speaking to the Associated Press, described the pressure and difficulties of facing such criticism while being far from home and family. She expressed hope that her family was not deeply affected by the backlash and remained optimistic about turning the crisis into a gold medal victory.
Support and Future Prospects
The criticism of Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting was fueled by the International Boxing Association’s claims that both failed unspecified eligibility tests at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that all athletes at the Paris Games complied with eligibility and entry regulations, basing gender and age on their passports. Khelif thanked the IOC and its president, Thomas Bach, for their support against these claims, expressing satisfaction with the justice served by the Olympic Committee.
Khelif has attempted to stay focused on her competition, largely avoiding social media to protect her mental health, a strategy supported by a mental health team provided for Olympic athletes. Despite the media frenzy, Khelif advanced to the semifinals after defeating Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori and is set to fight Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the women’s 66-kilogram semifinals. If victorious, Khelif will compete for the gold medal on Friday.
Throughout her journey, Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif has received significant support from her fans, which she noted brought some relief amidst the stress and media attention. Reflecting on her victory over Hamori, Khelif admitted to mixed emotions of joy and the impact of the negative scrutiny, acknowledging the harm to her dignity but remaining determined to succeed.
