Others

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who made history by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, has found herself embroiled in a controversial storm. Allegations of her being a "biological male" have resurfaced, prompting Khelif to consider legal action against a French journalist who published an unverified report.During an appearance on Italian television, Khelif expressed her dismay over the unfounded claims and the impact they have had on her life. She revealed that she was unaware of Italian President Giorgia Meloni's comments on the matter but noted that several world leaders had weighed in without any concrete evidence."We will meet with the French journalist in court," Khelif declared, determined to clear her name. She also spoke about the toll the controversy has taken on her and her family, particularly the barrage of fake images and negative social media attention."The war against me through social media has had a negative impact," Khelif said. "We need to understand who the people are who have done these things. Those who have done it are not people of substance."Despite the challenges, Khelif remains resolute in her pursuit of success. She believes that the adversity she has faced has only strengthened her determination. "Any person who is exposed to this bullying and hatred finds it more difficult to win," she said. "But I have learned a lot from this experience. The more a person desires success, the easier it is to achieve it."The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that Khelif is taking legal action over the leaked medical records that have fueled the controversy. The IOC possesses the necessary tools to make an informed decision on the matter.

Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who made history by winning Olympic gold despite a controversy over her gender eligibility, is now taking legal action against media outlets that have published leaked medical records. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed Khelif's legal actions on Wednesday, stating that she has filed a complaint in France for online harassment and is preparing a lawsuit in response to the latest reporting.The gender controversy surrounding Khelif erupted during the Paris Games in August when she defeated Angela Carini in just 46 seconds in her opening bout. Carini, visibly distressed, abandoned the fight after suffering a severe nose injury. The incident sparked a heated debate, with politicians and celebrities, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and "Harry Potter" author JK Rowling, weighing in on the matter.According to reports published in France this week, Khelif has XY, or male, chromosomes. However, the IOC emphasized that Khelif has competed in the women's category in international competitions for many years, including at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and at the International Boxing Association (IBA) world championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.The IOC expressed its concern over the abuse that Khelif has been subjected to, stating that it "will not comment while legal action is ongoing, or on media reports about unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed."Khelif, who was hailed as a hero upon her return to Algeria after her Olympic triumph, has previously faced online harassment. She has now taken legal action to protect her privacy and reputation.The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the complex and sensitive nature of gender eligibility in sports. The IOC has established guidelines for determining an athlete's eligibility based on their sex, but these guidelines have been challenged in recent years as the understanding of gender identity and biology has evolved.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been marred by controversy after a leaked medical report revealed that she is biologically male. The report, obtained by French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia, confirms that Khelif has internal testicles, XY chromosomes, and a micropenis, indicating a condition known as 5-alpha reductase insufficiency.Khelif's eligibility for the women's 66kg category was questioned throughout the Olympics, with many accusing her of being a biological man. Despite these concerns, she went on to secure a gold medal, sparking outrage among some athletes and commentators.The leaked medical report has reignited the debate over transgender athletes in sports. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh took to social media to demand that the gold medal be revoked, while US presidential candidate Donald Trump used Khelif's case to criticize the Biden-Harris administration's gender-ad sports policy.In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) banned Khelif from participating in the World Championship Gold Medal fight in New Delhi due to concerns about her eligibility. The controversy has also raised questions about the fairness of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, with some arguing that it gives them an unfair advantage.The leaked medical report has further fueled these concerns, as it provides concrete evidence of Khelif's biological sex. The report has also raised questions about the accuracy of the gender verification tests used by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).The IOC has stated that it will investigate the matter and take appropriate action if necessary. However, the controversy is likely to continue, as it highlights the complex and sensitive issue of transgender athletes in sports.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024 was marred by a persistent controversy surrounding her gender. Despite winning the gold medal in the women's 66kg category, Khelif faced relentless scrutiny and accusations of being transgender.The debate over Khelif's gender intensified with each victory, casting a shadow over her remarkable achievement. However, the pugilist remained unyielding, refusing to let the criticism derail her performance. Her determination culminated in the coveted gold medal, a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit.The gender row surrounding Khelif has sparked a broader discussion about the complexities of gender identity in sports. Indian actress Taapsee Pannu, who portrayed a female athlete facing similar challenges in the film 'Rashmi Rocket,' weighed in on the debate.Pannu emphasized that athletes should not be penalized for naturally occurring hormonal differences. She argued that many athletes possess biological advantages, such as Usain Bolt's exceptional speed or Michael Phelps's extraordinary lung capacity, without facing disqualification."It's not in my control what my hormones are," Pannu said. "If she [Khelif] has taken injections for this particular competition, then, of course, it should be illegal and she should be banned. But if she is not, then by something that is not in her control, you've banned her."Pannu's comments resonated with many who believe that gender verification tests in sports are discriminatory and unfair. They argue that such tests perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create an environment where athletes are forced to prove their worthiness based on arbitrary standards.The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif has brought to light the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to gender in sports. It is essential to recognize that gender identity is a complex and multifaceted issue, and that athletes should be celebrated for their achievements regardless of their biological makeup.

Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif returned to a hero's welcome in Algeria on Monday, alongside fellow medalists Kaylia Nemour and Djamel Sedjati. Khelif, who faced a gender controversy during the Olympics, expressed her triumph as a victory for Algerian women.Khelif's journey to the women's 66kg title was marked by controversy. The International Boxing Association (IBA), led by Umar Kremlev, had previously disqualified Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting from its world championships, claiming tests showed "these are men." However, the IBA had allowed both boxers to compete in Tokyo three years ago.Addressing the "relentless campaign" against her, Khelif thanked the Algerian people for their support. "I wanted to show the strength of performance and the presence of women in general, and Algerian women in particular," she said.Khelif's victory is seen as a symbol of resilience and a testament to the strength of Algerian women. "Algerian women are an example and a model for the whole world," she declared. "Thanks to God, we have restored Algeria's honor and flown the Algerian flag in Paris, which is the most important thing."The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took over the boxing competition in Paris after losing patience with the IBA. The IBA's actions have raised concerns about the organization's commitment to fairness and equality in boxing.Khelif's triumph and the controversy surrounding it have sparked a wider discussion about gender equality in sports. Her victory serves as an inspiration to women and girls around the world, demonstrating that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Fifteen years after Caster Semenya's gender scrutiny at the Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faces a similar ordeal at the Paris Games. Despite her impressive performance, Khelif has endured a barrage of threats and abuse due to misconceptions about her sex.In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Khelif and Li Yu-ting of Taiwan from the World Championships, claiming they failed an eligibility test. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) deemed the tests "irretrievably flawed" and permanently banned the IBA.IOC President Thomas Bach has condemned the criticism against Khelif and Li as "hate speech." He emphasized that both boxers are legally recognized as women and have competed as such for years.Khelif's journey to the Olympic final has been marked by dominance. She has not lost a single round and has showcased her exceptional skills. Her victory would not only secure a historic gold medal for Algeria but also serve as a powerful response to her detractors.Khelif's resilience and determination have earned her widespread admiration. Her story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes who do not conform to traditional gender norms.The IOC's support for Khelif and Li sends a clear message that discrimination and abuse based on gender identity will not be tolerated. Their presence at the Olympics is a testament to the progress being made towards inclusivity and equality in sports.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics has been marred by controversy. After defeating Angela Carini from Italy, Khelif faced accusations of being a trans woman, sparking a heated debate on social media. The International Boxing Association (IBA) subsequently disqualified her from world championships for being "male."Khelif's uncle, Rachid Jabeur, has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that she was born and raised as a female. He revealed that Khelif's talent was discovered while she was playing with boys on the streets. Despite her father's initial reluctance due to societal pressure, Jabeur and his wife took Khelif under their wing to support her boxing aspirations.Khelif's path to success was not without challenges. She faced bullying for being a female boxer and had to work hard to cover her training costs by selling scrap copper. However, she remained determined and overcame these obstacles with the support of her family and friends.The controversy surrounding Khelif's gender has raised questions about the IBA's eligibility criteria. The IOC has stripped the IBA of its status as the global governing body for boxing, citing concerns over its handling of the situation.Khelif's case highlights the ongoing debate about transgender athletes in sports. The IOC has guidelines in place to ensure fair competition, but the issue remains complex and controversial.Despite the setbacks, Khelif remains focused on her goal of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has appealed the IBA's decision and is determined to prove her eligibility. Her story serves as an inspiration for athletes who face discrimination and challenges in their pursuit of excellence.

The Paris Olympics has been embroiled in a gender controversy involving Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting. Despite the controversy, Khelif has advanced to the final of the women's 66kg category, guaranteeing herself at least a silver medal.Khelif's victory over Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng in the semi-final was met with thunderous applause from the Algerian-dominated crowd at Roland Garros. The 25-year-old boxer has faced scrutiny over her gender eligibility, but has been cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).Khelif's journey to the final has been marked by controversy. In her opening bout, she defeated Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, leaving the Italian in tears and with a broken nose. The incident sparked a debate about Khelif's gender, with some questioning her eligibility.However, the IOC has defended Khelif and Lin, stating that they were born and raised as women and have passports that reflect their gender. The IOC is organizing boxing at the Games due to concerns about the International Boxing Association's (IBA) financial, governance, and ethical issues.Despite the controversy, Khelif has remained focused on her goal of winning a medal. She expressed her determination to achieve her dream and thanked her team for their support. "I am very proud of this new achievement," she said. "I gave everything I had. We worked as a team for years and the dream has become a reality."Khelif will face China's Yang Liu in the final, while Lin is guaranteed at least a bronze medal in the women's 57kg division. The gender controversy has cast a shadow over the boxing competition, but Khelif and Lin have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has disqualified Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting from the 2023 World Championships after a sex chromosome test ruled them ineligible to compete in women's boxing. The decision has sparked controversy and raised questions about gender eligibility in sports.The controversy erupted during the Paris Olympics qualifiers when Khelif's Italian opponent, Irma Testa, withdrew from their bout after less than a minute, citing concerns about Khelif's physical appearance. The incident ignited a debate about the fairness of allowing athletes with certain physical characteristics to compete in women's sports.The IBA, which is currently suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), conducted gender eligibility tests on Khelif and Lin. The results of the tests, which were not disclosed, led to their disqualification from the World Championships.IBA chief executive Chris Roberts stated that the results of the tests "demonstrated both boxers were ineligible." However, the IOC has criticized the IBA's handling of the situation, claiming that the tests were ordered on arbitrary grounds.IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that Khelif and Lin "were born as women, raised as women, who have passports as women and who have competed for many years as women." He questioned the need for the tests and expressed confidence in their eligibility to compete in the Olympics.The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media, with prominent figures such as J. K. Rowling and Elon Musk expressing their opposition to the disqualification of Khelif and Lin. Khelif's father defended his daughter, stating that she had brought honor to their family and that the attacks against her were "immoral."The IBA's decision has raised concerns about the future of gender eligibility in sports. The IOC has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that all athletes are treated fairly and with respect.