On Friday, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won the gold medal in the 66kg weight class at the Paris Summer Olympics by defeating China’s Yang Liu in the final match. As Khelif entered the ring at Roland Garros Stadium, the crowd warmly welcomed her, waving Algerian flags throughout the arena.
Both fighters started the first round cautiously, but Khelif quickly took control, winning the round unanimously. Khelif landed a powerful punch in the second round that sent Yang against the ropes. The enthusiastic crowd cheered as Khelif delivered a series of punches, securing another round on all judges’ scorecards.
With a strong lead, Khelif maintained her aggressive approach in the final round, blocking Yang’s attempts and showing solid defense. After the final bell, the fighters embraced in a show of mutual respect. The crowd cheered when it was unanimously announced that Khelif had won the gold medal.
“I’m very happy. This has been my dream for eight years, and now I’m the Olympic champion and gold medallist,” Khelif said after the fight. “I’ve worked tirelessly for eight years. Now I’m Olympic champion.” She thanked her supporters and team for their role in her achievement.
After the announcement, Khelif performed her signature victory dance and posed for photographers before her trainer carried her off the ring on his shoulders.
Khelif had gained global attention earlier in the tournament after a quick victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini in just 46 seconds. This match sparked online abuse, with some transphobic commentators wrongly calling Khelif “a man” due to a discredited gender test by a boxing federation previously stripped of its Olympic accreditation. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took control of the sport for the 2024 Games and confirmed that Khelif met all eligibility criteria.
IOC President Thomas Bach addressed concerns about inclusion and safety, saying, “It is not as easy as some in this cultural war want to portray it. These two are women, and they have the right to participate in the women’s competition. And this has nothing to do with inclusion in any way.”
Earlier this week, Khelif urged people to follow Olympic principles and avoid bullying athletes, highlighting the harmful effects such actions can have. “It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind,” she said, reflecting on the challenges she faced after her match with Carini.
