WATCH: Controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif bursts into tears after guaranteeing medal at Paris Olympics
Paris Olympics 2024: Imane Khelif puts gender dispute aside to reach final as Harrington retires
Controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has reached the semifinal of the women's 66-kg category in boxing in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 after her win over Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori. She was seen in tears after securing a unanimous 5-0 win over her Hungarian counterpart which also guarantees her at least a bronze medal. She came into the limelight after her 46-second win over Italian boxer Angela Carini who pulled out after being at the heart of a gender argument.
🚨Imane Khelif burst into tears after her victory against Luca Hamori. 🥹
The relentlessness she suffered is just shameful. But don't cry Imane, millions of people are with you. 💚 #ImaneKhelif pic.twitter.com/RjUl6DANXz — Algérie Football Média 🇩🇿 (@DZFOOTBALLDZ) August 3, 2024
Imane Khelif guarantees a medal
Having been the focal point of critics, media and social media attention throughout the week for gender argument, she beat Hungary's Hamori in a clean sweep 5-0 win which guarantees a medal for reaching the semis. While she aims high and will try for a gold medal in her next bout, Khelif was seen as emotional after her recentbout.
Khelif burst into tears immediately after winning the bout and hugged her coaches while on the way down from the ring.
ALSO READ |Olympics 2024: India shooter Manu Bhaker reveals THIS IS WHY she lost on third medal at Paris Games
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
IAF's Jaguar fighter jet has no ejection seat auto-activation! What does it mean for pilots?
)
511 billion barrels of oil discovered in Antarctica can trigger World War. Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can India’s Rafale evade Iran’s air defence system after being exposed by B-2 bombers?
)
Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be...
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
This $20 billion fighter jet will be built to win any war! Meet Boeing's F-47
)
US Air Force scraps project with Elon Musk’s SpaceX over 'bird nests'
)
10,000 Ontario college layoffs, 600 programmes scrapped: Canada education is hurting, and there may be an India connection
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
This fighter jet could fly at the edge of space and it's not American...
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From BCCI to ECB: Top 5 richest cricket boards in the world, check where PCB stands
)
Exclusive | She went to compete but returned as world no. 1: Meet 16-year-old shuttler Tanvi Sharma
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
AMCA vs F-35: 5 fighter jets in India’s billion-dollar hunt for 5th-gen warfare
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Top Indian batters to score hundred at Lord’s Cricket Ground – Sachin Tendulkar not on the list
Imane Khelif controversy
On Tuesday, Khelif beat Carini who opted out from her welterweight round of 16 clash after just 46 seconds of copping a huge blow on her nose by the opposition, leaving her bleeding. Following this, she walked out of the contest claiming it 'unfair' to battle against a biologically male opponent.
During the 2023 World Championships, Khelif failed a gender eligibility test and, as a result, was disqualified before her gold medal bout in New Delhi last year for not meeting the International Boxing Association's (IBA) eligibility criteria. Back then, the incident made heads turn and led to a huge uproar in the sporting fraternity, with many lashing at the IOC for their eligibility criteria.
As things stand, she will compete in her semifinal match on Sunday which could see her move a step closer to the Olympic gold medal. Even if she fails to win in the semis she will still make the podium with at least a bronze medal around the neck.