In a thrilling quarter-final match at the Paris Olympics, Algerian female boxer Imane Khelif secured a bronze medal by defeating Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori. Khelif faced backlash over her gender identity leading up to the fight, with claims that she had failed an eligibility test for competing last year due to high testosterone levels. This controversy sparked debate over gender identity and sports regulations, drawing attention from public figures like Donald Trump and J.K. Rowling. Despite the criticisms, Khelif’s victory was a triumphant moment as she emotionally celebrated her win in the ring.
The Hungarian boxing association had initially planned to contest the matchup with the International Olympic Committee, but ultimately allowed the fight to proceed. IOC President Thomas Bach defended Khelif and another boxer, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, who had also faced disqualification from the IBA over eligibility tests. The lack of transparency from the IBA, led by an associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, raised questions about its handling of the situation.
Khelif, who previously competed in the Tokyo Olympics without medaling, will now face Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand in the 66-kg semifinals. Similarly, Lin Yu-ting will compete against Svetlana Staneva of Bulgaria for a chance at a bronze medal. As these female boxers continue to make their mark at the Paris Olympics, their accomplishments serve as a testament to their resilience and talent in the face of adversity.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com