WATCH: Imane Khelif overcome with emotion, breaks down in tears after assuring herself of Paris Olympics medal amid ongoing controversy

By Neelabhra Roy

Modified Aug 03, 2024 16:42 GMT

Imane Khelif was in tears after booking her place in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics, thus assuring herself of a medal. The 25-year-old became the first Algerian woman to win a boxing medal at the sporting event.

Khelif faced Hungary's Luca Hamori in the quarterfinals of the women's 66 kg event and won 5-0 (via unanimous decision) to book her place in the last four. This will be Algeria's very first medal at the Paris Olympics after not winning even one in Tokyo 2020.

After the bout, the Algerian was overcome with emotion and broke down in tears while hugging her coaches after shaking hands with Hamori.

Imane Khelif has come under criticism lately following her dramatic Round of 16 bout against Angela Carini, during which, the Italian withdrew after only 46 seconds. Questions have been raised on the 25-year-old's gender in light of her being disqualified by the IBA before her final bout at the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi after failing an eligibility test.

Even Luca Hamori said that Khelif competing in women's events was unfair.

"In my humble opinion, I don't think it's fair that this contestant can compete in the women's category," the Hungarian stated (as quoted by BBC).

After booking her place in the Paris Olympics semifinals, Imane Khelif will next take on Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng, who defeated Toko 2020 welterweight champion Busenaz Surmeneli in the quarterfinals.