Who Is Imane Khalif? The Algerian Boxer At Center Of 'Gender Controversy' In Paris Olympics

A new storm has erupted at the Paris Olympics Games 2024 over boxer Imane Khalif's participation in the quadrennial event as a woman boxer, despite possessing male chromosomes. It all started when Imane took on Italian boxer Angela Carini, who decided to abandon the match after just 46 seconds, in order to 'preserve her life'. It isn't the first time that Imane has been at the center of such a controversy, having previously been disqualified from competing in the 2023 championships over gender eligibility issues.

It isn't the first time that Khalif has competed in the Olympic Games, but a lot has changed since the Tokyo Olympics.

Who Is Imane Khalif?

The 25-year-old Imane Khalif hails from Tiaret, Algeria and is the UNICEF ambassador at present. Khelif's father didn't "approve of boxing for girls," but she wanted to inspire the next generation by winning a gold medal at the biggest of stages.

Khelif made her boxing debut as a professional in 2018 World Championships, finishing 17th. In the 2019 edition of the event, she finished 19th. Khelif then competed in the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, where she was knocked out by Ireland's Kellie Harrington in the quarter-finals. Khelif secured the second spot in the Women's World Boxing Championships after being defeated by Amy Broadhurst. She went on to wi gold medals in the 2022 African Championships, Mediterranean Games and 2023 Arab Games the following years.

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