2024 Paris Olympics: Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Advances to Final

Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif is a victory away from capturing a gold medal of women's welterweight in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Khelif defeated Thai Janjaem Suwannapheng 5:0 in the semifinals in a three-round fight. 

Khelif has won three consecutive bouts in Paris, and she will face, on Friday, China's Yang Liu in the final of the tournament.

She called her latest two wins as best response to the worldwide scrutiny she has faced.

Last week, Khelif, 25, won her first boxing match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after defeating her Italian opponent Angela Carini withdrew after just 46 seconds.

Khelif has qualified for the quarter-finals of the 66kg weight category after less than a minute.

She was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing a gender eligibility test, and her presence at the Paris Games has become a controversial issue.

The Algerian Olympic Committee issued a statement on Wednesday condemning what it called “lies” and “the unethical targeting and defamation of our esteemed athlete Imane Khelif, with unfounded propaganda from some foreign media outlets.”

In a statement Wednesday, the International Olympic Committee criticized the backlash directed at Khelif and Taiwan's Lin during the Olympics, as well as the decision by the International Boxing Association, or IBA, to disqualify them from last year's Women’s World Boxing Championships.

As for professional Arab and foreign athletes, some have confirmed that the Algerian boxer is 100% female, as practicing such sport increases the level of testosterone in the body and transforms the body into a more masculine posture.

Suwannapheng, Khelif opponent in the latest match said: "I had heard about the news regarding her, but I wasn't following it closely," adding: "She is a woman, but she is very strong."

On her side, Khelif said: "I am very happy," adding: "I've worked eight years for these Olympics, and I'm very proud of this moment. I would like to thank the support from people back home."

“I have a message for all the people of the world, they must adhere to the principles of the Olympic Charter and refrain from bullying all athletes,” she said. “Such things affect human dignity and are very influential. They can even destroy people and divide peoples.”