10-8-2024 (PARIS) In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured a gold medal in the women’s 66kg category at the Paris Summer Olympics on Friday. The bout, held at the iconic Roland Garros Stadium, saw Khelif triumph over Chinese opponent Yang Liu in a unanimous decision.
As Khelif entered the ring for her fourth and final match of the Games, she was greeted by a sea of Algerian flags and thunderous applause from her supporters. The electric atmosphere set the stage for what would become a defining moment in her career.
The match began cautiously, with both fighters sizing each other up. However, Khelif quickly found her rhythm, outmanoeuvring her southpaw opponent to claim the first round unanimously. The second round saw Khelif’s dominance grow, as she landed a powerful punch that sent Yang reeling into the ropes. Buoyed by the crowd’s enthusiastic chants, the Algerian boxer unleashed a flurry of punches, securing another round in her favour.
With a substantial lead on the scorecards, Khelif maintained her pressure in the final round. Despite Yang’s persistent efforts, she struggled to penetrate Khelif’s robust defence. As the final bell rang, the fighters embraced in a gesture of mutual respect, a poignant moment amidst the competitive atmosphere.
The announcement of Khelif’s victory by unanimous decision was met with jubilant cheers from the crowd. Overcome with emotion, the newly crowned Olympic champion performed her signature victory dance before being hoisted onto her trainer’s shoulders.
In a post-fight interview, an elated Khelif expressed her joy: “I’m very happy. For eight years, this has been my dream, and I’m now the Olympic champion and gold medallist. I’ve worked for eight years, no sleep, eight years tired. Now I’m Olympic champion.”
Khelif’s path to gold was not without controversy. Her participation in the Games had sparked debate following a preliminary match against Italian boxer Angela Carini, which Khelif won in just 46 seconds. The victory led to unfounded accusations and online abuse, with some questioning Khelif’s eligibility to compete in the women’s category.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) staunchly defended Khelif’s right to participate, with IOC President Thomas Bach addressing the issue directly: “These two are women, and they have the right to participate in the women’s competition. And this has nothing to do with inclusion in any way.”
Khelif herself spoke out against the online harassment, urging people to “uphold the Olympic principles, according to the Olympic charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes because this thing has effects, massive effects.”
