Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won the gold medal in the 66kg weight category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defying much controversy in the tournament, at Roland Garros, after defeating second-ranked Chinese Liu Yang 5-0 by unanimous decision, becoming the first Algerian and African boxer to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee allowed Khalifa to participate, after she was excluded following the semi-finals of the World Championships last year in New Delhi, by the International Boxing Federation, which was suspended from the Olympics due to issues of governance, corruption and match-fixing.
Caution prevailed at the beginning of the first round, but Khalifa took the initiative and landed punches that hit her opponent’s face and head, giving her the upper hand, before the bell announced the end of the round. Iman did not tire, nor did the audience, as she continued her movements in the second round, avoiding her opponent’s punches and waiting for opportunities to land punches.
The two boxers started the third round, and Iman tried to avoid her opponent’s punches, but she still hit her and received some of them. Despite the Chinese player’s attacks, the victory was for Khalif, who emerged victorious from her battle.
Unprecedented madness in the hall was accompanied by Khalif’s victory dance, giving the African continent its first gold medal in women’s boxing, before she turned to her coach and hugged him tightly. The training staff carried her and paraded her around the hall while she raised the Algerian flag, while the audience stood screaming and applauding.
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