Imane Khelif Advances to Olympic Boxing Final

Imane Khelif has advanced to the women's 66kg boxing final at the Paris Olympics amidst a significant gender eligibility controversy, dominating her semifinal match against Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng. Despite the ongoing debate surrounding her participation, Khelif stated she is unfazed by the criticism, focusing instead on delivering for her supporters. The uproar centers around her inclusion and that of Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, both of whom were previously disqualified by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for gender eligibility violations but were later reinstated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Khelif's matches have attracted widespread attention, with thousands of Algerian fans rallying behind her at Roland Garros, showcasing their support as a symbol of national pride. Many in the crowd have voiced their disdain for the controversy, arguing that it distracts from Khelif's athletic achievements and the broader issue of discrimination against women athletes. The IBA's failure to substantiate its claims against Khelif has further fueled the debate, which has drawn commentary from high-profile figures globally.