Olympic boxing champ Khelif gets hero’s welcome in Algiers

Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif received a warm homecoming in Algiers on Monday. Algerians rallied around her amidst international scrutiny and misconceptions about her gender. The gold medalist in women’s welterweight boxing returned to the capital of the gas-rich North African nation in the afternoon, accompanied by other Olympic medalists, including gymnast Kaylia Nemour and runner Djamel Sedjati. They were greeted by Minister of Youth and Sports Abderrahmane Hammad and are set to meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune later this week.

Khelif expressed her joy, saying, “It’s a dream I had for eight years. We did our best to represent Algeria.” She became a significant figure in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after Italian boxer Angela Carini withdrew 46 seconds into their match, tearfully refusing to shake her hand and claiming she had never been hit so hard. This led to widespread scrutiny and false claims about her gender, with some world leaders and celebrities questioning her eligibility.

Algerians vigorously defended Khelif, interpreting the speculation as a result of racism. They made their support known both in Paris and across Algeria, where the gold medal fight was broadcast in public squares. Sedjati, who won bronze in the men’s 800 meters, noted that the success of Nemour and Khelif would “give a boost to women’s sports in our country.”