Algerian boxer Khelif triumphs over Thai boxer Janjaem

In a welterweight semi-final clash at the Paris Olympics, Imane Khelif emerged victorious over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng by unanimous decision, securing her place in the women’s final at Roland Garros.

Khelif, a silver medallist at the 2022 World Championships, and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting have found themselves at the centre of a heated gender debate that has captivated the Olympic audience and dominated social media. The Algerian pugilist made her feelings known after the victory

“I don’t want anything to be said about the controversy.”

Both Khelif and Lin faced disqualification from the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi after the International Boxing Association (IBA) deemed them ineligible based on sex chromosome tests. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) dismissed these tests as arbitrary, maintaining their eligibility criteria, which exclude gender testing, for the Paris Games.

The fervent Algerian crowd transformed Court Philippe Chatrier into a roaring cauldron of support for Khelif, chanting her name and booing Janjaem as she entered. The first round saw cautious exchanges, with Khelif utilising her jab effectively. The Thai boxer landed a powerful right hand in the second round, but Khelif’s superior technique ensured she dominated the scorecards.

In the final round, Khelif unleashed a barrage of punches, overwhelming Janjaem and clinching a unanimous decision victory. The fighters showed mutual respect by touching gloves, and Khelif’s triumph was met with an explosive cheer from the audience.

“I just had the performance I was looking to deliver today to make the fans happy.”

Despite the swirling controversy, Janjaem was gracious in defeat.

“I have not followed the controversy closely but all I know is that she is a woman and she is a strong fighter.”

Khelif will now face China’s Yang Liu in the final on Friday. Meanwhile, Lin will compete in the featherweight semi-finals against Turkey’s Esra Yildiz.

The gender storm intensified when Khelif’s opponent Angela Carini withdrew from their round-of-16 bout after just 46 seconds, citing pain and safety concerns. The incident sparked a social media frenzy, drawing comments from notable figures like J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk.

After the match, Carini apologised to Khelif, stating she bore no ill will towards her, reported Thai PBS World.