Imane Khelif: Algerian boxer facing scrutiny over gender eligibility
Algerian Olympic Committee condemns 'baseless attacks'
Amid scrutiny of her gender, Imane Khelif's boxing career hangs in the balance
PARIS, July 31 (Reuters) - Algeria's Olympic committee on Wednesday condemned "baseless attacks" on boxer Imane Khelif amid scrutiny of her gender eligibility.
Khelif, who represented Algeria in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has rapidly become a prominent figure in women's boxing backed by an impressive list of achievements. However, her career has been thrown into doubt following a test that apparently revealed the presence of male sex chromosomes.
The 20-year-old Khelif began her professional boxing career in Mexico in December 2022, but just three months later, reports emerged that a gender verification test had raised questions about her eligibility to compete as a woman.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) has since confirmed that Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yuting failed to meet gender eligibility tests at the Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi last year, leading to their suspension from the competition.
The Algerian Olympic Committee has now come to Khelif's defense, condemning the "malicious and unfounded accusations" that have been made against her.
"The COA strongly denounces these baseless attacks and reiterates its unwavering support for Imane Khelif," the committee said in a statement.
The statement also called on the IBA to "shed light on this matter and respect the rights of athletes."
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