Boxer Imane Khelif advances to Olympic championships amid gender controversy
Imane Khelif and fellow female boxer Lin Yu-ting continue to face false accusations, which stemmed from a Russian-led sporting body, about their gender.
PARIS — The Algerian female boxer at the center of a global debate over gender eligibility and fairness at the Paris Olympics won her semifinal match Tuesday, advancing to the gold medal fight.
Imane Khelif defeated Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand in a unanimous decision, advancing to the final round of the women’s 66-kilogram division on Friday.
Khelif thanked god, her family, coaches and all of her Algerian supporters.
"This victory is for the Algerians who supported me from the beginning until the end," she told reporters after the bout.
"Of course, I am so happy with this win. As you know, boxing is one of the first sports in the Olympics. Reaching the finals in boxing takes work."
Rating: 5