Standing Beside Algerian Sports Minister, Imane Khelif Returns Home to Hero’s Welcome

Controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif received a hero’s welcome upon returning home after winning the gold medal in the women’s 66kg class. She was greeted by Sports Minister Abderrahmane Hammad and stood proudly with her gold medal around her neck. Olympic .

Khelif won the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal after defeating China’s Yang Liu in the final by unanimous decision. Although Khelif has been the subject of an investigation into her gender eligibility, Khelif insists she was born female and is fully eligible to compete.

The controversy began when Khelif was disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the 2023 World Championships after failing a gender test. However, Khelif reiterated that she is a woman and has the right to compete. Khelif’s Olympic victory further strengthened her position, despite continued criticism from various parties.

Upon arrival in Algeria, Khelif was greeted enthusiastically by fans, journalists and government officials at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, Monday (12/8/2024). One of those present was Algerian Sports Minister Abderrahmane Hammad who chose to stand right next to Khelif.

He proudly showed off his gold medal to the supporters who greeted him outside the airport terminal. Khelif also stood with his teammates, celebrating Algeria’s success in winning two gold medals and one bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

“I want to tell the world that they should be committed to the Olympic principles and should not bully others. This is the message of the Olympics. I hope people stop bullying. We are at the Olympics to excel as athletes, for our families. I hope there will be no similar attacks in the future,” Khelif said.

However, Khelif’s victory was not without controversy. Donald Trump, in a speech in Montana, mocked Khelif’s victory by insinuating that men should not participate in women’s sports. Trump even referred to Angela Carini, the Italian boxer who lost to Khelif in a short time of 46 seconds, saying that Carini had never been hit that hard before.

Amid the intense scrutiny and criticism, Khelif remains firm in his stance that the Olympics should uphold the principles of sportsmanship and should not be used as a tool to bully or ridicule others. He hopes that similar attacks will not happen again in the future, and that athletes can focus on their sporting achievements without being distracted by issues outside the ring.

(sto)