BENGALURU: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is set to return home from the ongoing Paris Summer Olympics with at least a podium finish after progressing to the semifinals last weekend. However, her journey was anything but straightforward. She won her first match against Italy’s Angela Carini when the latter forfeited after just 46 seconds, citing pain from a hard punch by Khelif.
Social media speculation about Khelif’s gender immediately followed, with accusations that she was not biologically female, referencing her disqualification last year by the International Boxing Association. While the International Olympic Committee does not test athletes for gender, it has affirmed that Khelif is eligible to compete. No medical evidence suggesting that Khelif is not biologically female or has elevated testosterone levels has been published.
Khelif was born female and identifies so. This incident parallels the experiences of Indian athletes Dutee Chand and Mary Kom. Chand, a sprinter, faced controversy over hyperandrogenism and fought a legal battle to overturn a ban.
Kom, a legendary boxer, has navigated gender expectations in sport, proving her mettle despite doubts and biases about her physique and strength. Both athletes have become symbols of resilience, breaking barriers for women in sport. Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, which supports aspirants for the Olympics, emphasises the importance of fair play and inclusivity.
“If a person has been biologically certified.