The father of Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer at the center of an Olympic controversy over athletes with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD), defended his daughter, calling the attacks against her immoral. “Having such a daughter is an honor because she is a champion,” said Amar Khelif from his home in Tiaret.
Khelif, who failed a gender eligibility test at the International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships last year, was allowed to participate in the Paris Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Her swift victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini, who withdrew after a series of painful blows, reignited a broader debate about gender differences in sports.
Amar Khelif expressed pride in his daughter and hopes she will win a medal for Algeria. “Imane is a little girl that has loved sport since she was six years old,” he shared in a Reuters report, showing an official document proving her female gender at birth.
Khelif’s disqualification last year was due to IBA rules barring athletes with XY chromosomes from women’s events. However, with the IBA stripped of its status by the IOC, the IOC defended its decision to let her compete, citing inclusion as the default unless fairness or safety issues are evident.
In the Tiaret boxing club, young female boxers supported Khelif. Bouchra Rebihi, a 17-year-old aspiring professional, stated, “These critics aim to destabilize her, but she is a champion and will remain a champion.”
Khelif is set to face Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the women’s welterweight quarter-finals later today.