Algerian boxer Imane Khelif found herself at the center of a storm after her opponent, Angela Carini from Italy, abruptly left their match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Even though Khelif was born female and identifies as a woman, her participation in the event has stirred up a lot of debate.
Now, her father has stepped forward to speak out.
On August 1, Khelif’s match against Carini ended suddenly when the Italian boxer left the ring, complaining of “severe pain” in her nose. This surprising twist led to Khelif being declared the winner by default.
However, some people argued she shouldn’t be allowed to compete due to her previous disqualification from the 2023 world championships for having elevated testosterone levels.
Amar Khelif, Imane’s father, defended his 25-year-old daughter in an interview with Reuters. He expressed immense pride and admiration for her achievements. “Having such a daughter is an honor because she is a champion.
She honored me, and I encourage her. I hope she will get the medal in Paris,” he said. “Imane is a little girl that has loved sport since she was 6 years old.”
To prove his daughter’s gender, Amar showed an “official-looking document” to Reuters. He explained, “This is our family official document, May 2, 1999, Imane Khelif, female. It is written here; you can read it. This document doesn’t lie.”
The controversy led Carini to apologize publicly to Khelif on August 2 through the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by CNN. Carini said, “I’m sorry for my opponent. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.
It wasn’t something I intended to do. Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke.”
Khelif addressed the issue herself, urging people to stop bullying athletes. She told SNTV, “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”
Despite the controversy, Khelif’s story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes under intense scrutiny. Her father’s unwavering support and her own plea for kindness emphasize the need for respect and understanding in sports.
As the debate rages on, Khelif remains determined to achieve her Olympic dreams, hoping to bring pride to her family and country. Though the journey is tough, with her father’s encouragement and her own resilience, she aims to rise above the challenges and continue her path as a champion.
Share your thoughts in the comments down below!
1 thought on “Imane Khelif’s dad breaks his silence after Olympic boxer’s gender controversy”
Her father will never admit the truth because in his country transsexuals are against the law and imprisoned. She was identified in 2023 with high levels of testosterone and that will not change.