Amid ongoing speculation about boxing’s future in the 2028 LA Olympics, it was officially confirmed earlier this year that the sport will remain on the Games’ roster. Now, fresh updates are emerging about Algerian boxer Imane Khelif as she unveils her plans for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles.
This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump signed the ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’ order on Feb. 5. The policy from Trump says, “It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.”
This policy could pose a world of problems for Khelif, who drew international attention due to her unspecified gender eligibility tests conducted by the International Boxing Association’s world championships in 2023. Despite that, the International Olympic Committee permitted Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting to participate in the games.
Sports News – August 9, 2024 August 06 2024: Imane Khelif Algeria celebrates gold on Day 14 of the Olympic Games, Olympische Spiele, Olympia, OS at Roland Garros, Paris, France. Ulrik Pedersen/CSM. Credit Image: Â Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Media Paris France EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20240809_zma_c04_191.jpg UlrikxPedersenx csmphotothree279493
Both women went on to claim gold in their respective weight classes. Meanwhile, the IBA had been suspended from organizing Olympic tournaments since 2019 and was officially expelled in 2023. Governance duties for the sport in the Olympics will now be handled by World Boxing, as it was granted provisional recognition in February.
With the new governing body in power, Khelif reflected on Trump’s policy while appearing in an interview with British broadcaster ITV, stating, “The U.S. president issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender.” She added, “This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.”
Meanwhile, she also shared her thoughts on the IBA.
Imane Khelif brands the IBA a thing of the past
The IBA made every effort to back their decision regarding Khelif. In mid-2024, the organization held a news conference about Khelif and Lin, suggesting that both fighters had “competitive advantages over other female competitors.” However, they failed to provide a substantial explanation as to why.
Speaking about the IBA, Khelif branded the IBA “a thing of the past,” claiming it “lacks credibility.” She added, “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear,” noting, “The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics — the injustice was exposed, and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.”
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 03: Imane Khelif of Team Algeria celebrates victory against Anna Luca Hamori of Team Hungary after the Women’s 66kg Quarter-final round match on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
World Boxing has yet to comment on Donald Trump’s policies or whether Khelif or Lin would be eligible under its rules. But considering the IOC claimed Khelif and Lin were “eligible by the rules of the federation” because both fighters were assigned female at birth and have always identified as women, they should be able to participate in the 2028 LA Olympics.
That said, it appears Donald Trump’s policy doesn’t seem to have deterred Imane Khelif from running for gold a second time in a row. However, whether this attracts more controversy is yet to be seen. Until then, share your thoughts on the matter.
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