Moments ago, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won Olympic gold after defeating Yang Liu in the welterweight final at Paris 2024.
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 practising such sport increases the level of testosterone in the body and transforms the body into a more masculine posture.
Suwannapheng, who faced Khelif in the semi-final 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 after her semi-final game: "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.”
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