Imane Khelif’s father has spoken out in defence for his daughter amidst gender controvery.
Much talk has surrounded Khelif following her fight with Italy’s Angela Carini.
The Italian athlete left the ring after just 46 seconds, with a suspected broken nose, following a contentious match.
The Algerian athlete, who was born and raised as a girl, was banned from competing in a gold medal match in Delhi by the International Boxing Association after failing a gender eligibility test but has been allowed to fight at the 2024 Olympics.
Prior to the match, the Algerian Olympic Committee defended their boxer, issuing a statement condemning the criticism she faced.
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) stated, “COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets. Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion.”
Khelif’s father, Omar Khelif, has since spoken out in defence of his daughter:
“My child is a girl. She was raised as a girl. She’s a strong girl. I raised her to be hard-working and brave. She has a strong will to work and to train,”
“The Italian opponent she faced was unable to defeat my daughter because my daughter was stronger and she was softer.”
The IOC have also released a statement following the online abuse:
“Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.
“Eligibility rules should not be changed during an ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and be based on scientific evidence.
“The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games in accordance with the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics, and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights.
“The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.”
