Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faces renewed gender controversy, labelled ‘man’ in report

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who clinched a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has once again come under scrutiny. According to reports, a journalist named Djaffar Ait Aoudia secured a report that has labelled the gold medallist a ‘man’.

The report, drafted in June 2023 in an Algerian hospital, reportedly mentions Khelif having underdeveloped male genitalia and lack of uterus.

In 2023, Khelif had been embroiled in controversy after being disqualified from the World Championships due to an unspecified gender eligibility test.

Khelif, one of only two athletes, with elevated testosterone levels, was cleared to compete in women’s boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was disqualified from Women’s World Championships in India in 2023 for failing to meet eligibility requirements.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which oversees the boxing events in Paris, but was not responsible for the World Championships, said welterweight Khelif was disqualified in India because of elevated testosterone levels.

The ruling by the International Boxing Association (IBA) cast a shadow over the boxer’s career, and Khelif faced a torrent of abuse and threats on social media.

The IOC condemned the harassment, and Khelif spoke out against the bullying, warning that it could destroy lives.

Khelif reportedly filed a cyberbullying lawsuit in August, naming Elon Musk, J K Rowling, and Donald Trump among others, for the online harassment fight with Italy’s Angela Carini.

Carini pulled out of the fight at the Paris Olympics 66-kg boxing category after being hit by Khalef twice. A controversy erupted afterwards, with references to Khalef reportedly failing a gender test in 2023.

Khalef, who went on to win gold, was called ‘a male’ by J K Rowling in her tweet. “Men don't belong in women’s sports,” X CEO Elon Musk had said.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)