Algerian boxer Imane Khelif on Saturday commented on the controversy surrounding her participation in the women’s boxing competitions at Paris Olympic Games.
In statements made to the Qatari beIN Sports network, the boxer said: “This is a matter of dignity and honor that concerns every woman, and the Arab people have known me for years.”
The statements came after Khelif officially qualified for the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics currently being held in France.
🇩🇿 بدموع الفرح … البطلة الجزائرية إيمان خليف تعبر عن فخرها بالوصول إلى نصف النهائي#الألعاب_الأولمبية | #باريس2024#Paris2024 | #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/prp3iUMy2B
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) August 3, 2024
She added: “I am competing within the International Federation (competitions), which wronged me, but this is within God’s hands.”
Khelif concluded: “Today I was on time and won the match, and God willing I will play another match and then the crowning.”
The Algerian boxer cried hard after qualifying for the semi-finals of the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.
Khelif defeated Hungarian champion Anna Luca Hámori in the quarter-finals of the under-66 kg women’s boxing.
The result of the match was 5-0 for the Algerian boxer by unanimous decision of the five referees after her overwhelming victory during the three rounds.
With this result, Khelif qualified for the semi-finals in the ongoing Olympics, officially securing the third medal for Arab countries.
