The father of female Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has come forward to defend his daughter against transphobic criticisms regarding her sex. He emphasized that she won her recent match against her Italian opponent due to her strength and skill.
Omar Khelif, 49, asserted that his daughter is a girl who was raised as such. He described her as a strong and hard-working individual with a brave spirit. According to him, Imane has always been passionate about sports, starting from a young age.
Khelif proudly stated that his daughter is an embodiment of Algerian womanhood and a heroine of the nation. He expressed his hopes for her to secure a gold medal and raise the national flag in Paris, highlighting their shared goal since the beginning of her athletic journey.
Imane Khelif has faced significant media attention and hateful remarks following concerns about her eligibility, stemming from a past decision by a now-discredited boxing regulator. Despite this, Paris 2024 has firmly supported Khelif's right to compete in the upcoming matches.
Khelif is scheduled to compete against Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori on Saturday evening, as she continues her pursuit of Olympic success. Her father's unwavering support and belief in her abilities serve as a source of motivation for Imane as she prepares for her next challenge.
