Imane Khelif: Meet the Algerian transgender boxer cleared to fight in women’s division at 2024 Olympics

Algerian transgender boxer Imane Khelif has been cleared to compete in the women’s division at the 2024 Olympic Games ongoing in Paris, France.

The 25-year-old has received clearance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to fight in the Women’s U-66 Kg category.

She initially failed to compete in the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships after being disqualified on account of gender eligibility failure.

However, according to the IOC, Khelif meets its gender eligibility requirements and thus will compete at the Olympics.

Prior to her disqualification controversy in 2023, she had been competing in continental competitions and international competitions including the Olympics. She won gold at the African Championships in Maputo and the Mediterranean Games in Oran before adding silver at the World Championships, all in 2022.

Following her clearance, she is set to compete in her second Olympic Games after making her debut in Tokyo.

Along with Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu Ting, the two transgender boxers were cleared to compete at the Olympics.

Imane Khelif is set for her first fight on Friday, August 2, 2024, while Lin’s first fight is slated for August 3, 2024, in the under 57kg division.