Imane Khelif made history by becoming the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic boxing title at the 2024 Games in Paris. She claimed the welterweight gold medal with a unanimous decision victory over China’s Yang Liu.
Khelif, who had previously won silver at the 2022 World Championships, was a focal point in the media due to a gender dispute controversy at the Paris Games. She firmly stated her identity and expressed her triumph as a response to her critics. At 25, Khelif’s victory represents the culmination of eight years of hard work and dedication, and she expressed her joy and gratitude for the support she received from Algeria and beyond.
This gold medal also marks Algeria’s first boxing gold since Hocine Soltani won at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Khelif’s achievement underscores her perseverance and the significant milestone for Algerian sports.