Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured a gold medal in the 66kg category at the Paris Summer Olympics after defeating China’s Yang Liu in a decisive bout on Friday. The match took place at the iconic Roland Garros Stadium, where Khelif received a warm welcome from fans waving Algerian flags.
Khelif dominated the fight from the start, winning the first round unanimously. She continued her strong performance in the second round, landing powerful punches that kept her opponent on the defensive. By the third round, Khelif’s lead on the scorecards was unassailable, and despite Yang’s efforts, she couldn’t break through Khelif’s solid defense.
After the final bell, Khelif was declared the winner by unanimous decision, marking the culmination of an eight-year journey to Olympic gold. She expressed her gratitude to her supporters and team, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that led to her victory.
Khelif’s Olympic journey has not been without controversy. Earlier in the Games, she faced online abuse following her 46-second victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini, with baseless accusations about her gender. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) firmly defended Khelif, confirming that she met all the criteria to compete as a female boxer.