Imane Khelif secured a Paris 2024 Semi-Final berth and a guaranteed medal as the IOC dismissed the previous testing undertaken in 2023.
Khelif defeated Hungary’s Luca Anna Hamori 5-0 in the Quarter-Final as the Algerian grabbed at least a bronze after a turbulent time. A cloud was placed on Khelif, who was born a female, for having DSD [Differences in sex development], a disorder that hasn’t yet been incorporated into Olympic standards for competition. This scenario led to a furor surrounding the welterweight, who was suspended by the now unrecognized IBA [formerly AIBA] for failing unspecified tests that were never under the jurisdiction of any other governing body.
The IBA stands accused of lighting a fire under the participation of both Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting, who have the same condition. Until the IOC recognizes the disorder, which gives born females male traits, including strength and bone density, the row over whether DSD sufferers should be banned will continue.
The IOC aired its views on the testing procedure overseen by the IBA in 2023, which caused the recent explosion of interest.
Imane Khelif’s testing dismissed
“Reports have contained misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships, and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.
“These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the 2023 IBA World Championships, they were suddenly disqualified without due process.
“The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years. Such an approach is contrary to good governance. The IBA’s recognition was withdrawn by the IOC in 2023 following its suspension in 2019. ”
Confirming that Khelif and Yu-Ting will not be withdrawn from Paris 2024, the IOC added, ” “Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition. Any rule change must follow appropriate processes and be based on scientific evidence.”
Hamori’s Hungarian representatives have since protested Khelif’s involvement in the tournament due to the IBA revelations.
Barring any further IOC action, which is unlikely, Khelif will face Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng on Tuesday for at least a silver medal.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
