Imane Khelif has been the target of criticism since her victory by abandonment against the Italian Angela Carini, in the round of 16 of the Paris Olympic Games.
The Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has broken her silence after facing criticism regarding her gender following her fight against Italy’s Angela Carini at the Paris Olympic Games.
The Italian boxer withdrew 46 seconds into the fight and did not shake Imane Khelif’s hand after the referee’s decision was announced. She is seen saying “It’s not true” (“It’s not fair”), at that moment in the ring.
In a subsequent statement, The Italian boxer said she had abandoned the fight due to severe pain in her nose after the first punches..
The incident sparked an international reaction and Imane Khelif’s admission to women’s boxing competition was questioned.
“It can destroy people”
In an interview, Imane Khelif said the media frenzy had affected her greatlyand she urges “all the peoples of the world to respect the Olympic principles, in accordance with the Olympic Charter”.
She also calls for an end to attacks on athletes: “(These criticisms) can destroy people, they can kill people’s thoughts, minds and souls. And that divides.”she says.
The 25-year-old Algerian boxer adds that the situation also affects her family: “They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will result in a gold medal and that will be the best answer.”.
The boxer also wonders why these accusations are happening now, when she has been boxing for years.
Imane Khelif explains thatShe often travels to the southern Italian town of Assisi for training camps and Angela Carini has known her for a long time..
“The coaches have known me since I was young in the national team and I used to train with them. The (Italian) boxer herself knows me well”she explains.
Imane Khelif’s coach, Mohamed Chaoua, adds that “in the Algerian state, changing one’s gender is not allowed”.
“Even in developing countries, these operations are expensive. If Imane had the means to do what people accuse her of, she would prefer to feed herself, buy bread and clothes and live like the rest of her friends.”he says.
“Obstacles are motivation”
Imane Khelif was in tears after her victory against the Hungarian Anna Hamori which qualified her for the semi-finals.
In the interview, the boxer claims that “Obstacles motivate will”a statement she says she has believed in since she was young.
The 25-year-old made it clear thatShe would do anything to win Algeria’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing, despite the accusations against her.
Imane Khelif also thanked the International Olympic Committee for its support during the controversy that followed her admission to the Paris Olympics. She added that IOC President Thomas Bach had sent her a personal message in which he supported and encouraged her.
“I would like to thank all those who supported me, all Algerians, all the peoples of the Arab world and the whole world who stood by my side in this fierce campaign against me.”she says.
Angela Carini has since expressed her sadness over the controversy and apologized to Imane Khelif.
The Algerian boxer will face Thai Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Additional sources • Adaptation: Vincent Reynier