Algerian Olympic Committee issues new statement on Imane Khelif amidst boxing saga in Paris

Excuse the non-hockey take for a moment here, but you know this has been trending all over the internet for the past 24 hours. 

Just a day after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) assured that all athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, including Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, her country’s associate has issued a statement on the ongoing saga.

On Thursday, Khelif’s first opponent at Paris, Angela Carini of Italy, quit their bout after 46 seconds. She bursted into tears after abandoning the fight with a suspected broken nose and claiming that this was “not an equal competition”.

The boxing match immediately went viral for terrible reasons with particular attention given to Khelif previously being banned from fighting in women’s boxing events due to failing a gender eligibility test. However, Khelif complies with all entry and medical regulations set by ruling entities, the International Olympic Committee stated and now her own country’s association stands with her.

The AOC said: “The International Olympic Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that all athletes participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games comply with the eligibility and compliance rules.

“Our team athletes, including our champion, have always adhered to these regulations in all international competitions. We strongly support our heroine and continue to defend her rights as a fair and qualified competition.”

It continued: “After taking all necessary measures to protect our champion, we wish to inform the public that the International Olympic Committee (CIO) has issued a statement clarifying that there are no cases of boxers ineligible to participate in competitions.

“The CIO has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that all athletes participating in the Paris Olympics 2024 comply with eligibility and compliance rules. Our athletes, including our champion, have always followed these regulations in all international competitions. We strongly support our athlete and continue to defend her rights as a fair and skilled competitor.”

The AOC condemns the “baseless" attacks on Khelif and it is great to see their support for their star athlete.

“COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets.

“Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics.

Adding: “The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion.”

Khelif has fought 50 times in her career, and has lost on nine occasions. She has only produced stoppages five times in those 41 wins. The Algerian fighter will go against Luca Hamori of Hungary in the quarter finals of the women’s 66kg competition.