Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has been embroiled in controversy after her opponent, Italian Angela Carini, pulled out of their bout at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite being born female and identifying as female, the Khelifs have sparked significant debate.
Now her father broke the silence.
On August 1, Khelif’s boxing match against Carini ended abruptly when the Italian boxer left the ring early, citing “severe pain” in her nose as the reason for her withdrawal.
This unexpected turn of events meant that Khelif was declared the automatic winner, as previously announced. However, her previous disqualification from the 2023 World Championships due to elevated testosterone levels has led some to argue that she should not compete with other women.
Speaking to Reuters in defense of his 25-year-old daughter, Amar Khelif expressed his pride and admiration for her achievements. “It is an honor for me to have such a daughter because she is a champion. She has honored me and I am rooting for her. I hope she will win a medal in Paris,” he said. “Imane is a little girl who has loved sports since she was 6 years old.
To resolve doubts about her gender, Amar Khelif presented what Reuters described as an “official-looking document”. established
“This is the official document of our family, May 2, 1999, Imane Khelif, female. It is written here; you can read it. This document does not lie.”
The controversy prompted Carini to issue a public apology to Khelif in an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport on August 2, CNN reported. “I feel sorry for my opponent.
The controversy prompted Carini to issue a public apology to Khelif in an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport on August 2, as reported by CNN. “I feel sorry for my opponent.
If the IOC said he can fight, I respect that decision,” Carini said. “It wasn’t something I wanted to do. Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was upset because my Olympics were up in smoke.”
The situation was solved by Khelifová herself, who called on the public to stop bullying athletes. In an interview with SNTV, she said: “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. And that’s why I ask them to refrain from bullying.”
Despite the controversy, Khelif’s story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes who compete under scrutiny and public debate. Her father’s support and her own calls for kindness underscore the importance of respect and understanding in sports.
As the debate continues, Khelif remains focused on his goal, hoping to achieve success at the Olympics and bring pride to his family and country. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but with her father’s encouragement and her own resilience, she wants to rise above the challenges and continue her journey as a champion.