Imane Khelif has won an Olympic gold medal after the boxer was embroiled in a gender row.
The Algerian dominated the match against 2023 world champion Yang Liu to win all the judges’ scorecards unanimously in rounds one and two.
Although Liu put up a fight in the final third round, it wasn’t enough to overcome Khelif.
The medal marks the country’s first-ever female boxing gold.
Imane Khelif wins Olympic boxing gold medal amid controversial gender rowREUTERSDespite the accolade tonight, the Algerian boxer has been embroiled in a gender row as it was discovered she was disqualified from last year’s World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after she was reported to have failed gender eligibility tests.
Khelif broke silence on her gender earlier this week, declaring: “I don’t care what anyone is saying about me with the controversy.
“All that is important to me is that I stay on the level and give my people the performance they deserve.
“I know I’m a talented person and this is a gift to all Algerians.”
Khelif fought Yang Liu in the final
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Khelif failed a gender eligibility test last year
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Khelif was given the green light to compete by the IOC, with the Algerian saying she was thankful for their support on the subject.
“I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth,” she said.
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Imane Khelif celebrates her gold medal win
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Imane Khelif hoists the Algerian flag triumphantly
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