Feb 27 • 19:36 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico El Financiero (ES)

'The Daughter of Algeria' did it: Imane Khelif wins gold medal in Olympic boxing, Paris 2024

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won the Olympic gold medal in women's welterweight boxing (-66 kg) at the Paris 2024 Games, amid significant crowd support and controversy regarding gender issues in the sport.

Imane Khelif, representing Algeria, achieved a historic victory by winning the Olympic gold medal in women's welterweight boxing at the Paris 2024 Games. She triumphed over Chinese boxer Yang Liu with a unanimous decision in the final match, celebrated passionately by thousands of Algerian fans present at the Roland Garros tennis venue. This win marks Khelif's first Olympic title and is particularly notable as it comes amidst ongoing controversies surrounding gender representation in sports, especially in the context of the Olympics.

The atmosphere during the fight was electric, with Khelif heralded by her supporters who filled the grandstands, creating a sea of green with their shirts and flags. Approximately 15,000 fans witnessed her remarkable performance, during which she dominated the match against Liu, who was noted to have been booed by segments of the audience due to the prevailing support for Khelif. The crowd's chants of “Imane, Imane” fueled her throughout the three rounds, showcasing the fervor and passion surrounding her historic achievement.

Khelif's victory is an essential milestone for Algeria and adds to the ongoing discussions about gender issues in athletics. As female athletes continue to face challenges and biases, Khelif's success serves as both an inspiration and a significant statement on the importance of women's representation in sports. This accomplishment not only serves as a personal triumph for Khelif but also as a symbol of progress for many women in the boxing community and beyond, highlighting the need for continued efforts to empower female athletes.

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