PARIS, Aug 6 (Reuters) – Imane Khelif, the boxer at the centre of a gender dispute, triumphed over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng by unanimous decision in a welterweight semi-final fight at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, advancing to the women’s final at Roland Garros. Khelif, a silver medallist at the 2022 worlds, and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting have been focal points at the Olympics, amid a maelstrom that has captivated headlines and sparked extensive discourse across social media platforms.
“I don’t want anything to be said about the controversy,” Khelif stated post-victory. Both Khelif and Lin were disqualified by the International Boxing Association from the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi, following a botched press conference where sex chromosome tests deemed them ineligible. During those championships, Khelif had defeated Suwannapheng by unanimous decision before her disqualification, leading Suwannapheng to win silver in the final.
Now competing in the Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revoked the IBA’s authority in 2023, the IOC has dismissed the IBA-ordered tests as arbitrary. The IOC is applying the boxing eligibility rules from the 2016 and 2021 Olympics, which do not incorporate gender testing.
FAN SUPPORT was palpable as Algerian spectators packed a reconfigured Court Philippe Chatrier, now bereft of its famed red clay, to cheer for Khelif while voicing disapproval of Suwannapheng. The bout was characterized by cautious exchanges, but Khelif’s precise jab and exceptional technique secured her a unanimous decision victory. After the fight, a thunderous ovation greeted Khelif as she celebrated with palpable elation before a brief medical check. Suwannapheng acknowledged Khelif’s prowess, stating, “I have not followed the controversy closely but all I know is that she is a woman and she is a strong fighter.” Khelif is set to face Yang Liu of China in the final on Friday, while Lin will compete against Turkey’s Esra Yildiz in the featherweight semi-finals.
The gender controversy gained traction when Angela Carini, Khelif’s round-of-16 opponent, withdrew after 46 seconds, citing pain and safety concerns, further intensifying the debate.
